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Original Death

Original Death, August 2013
by Eliot Pattison

Counterpoint
352 pages
ISBN: 1582437319
EAN: 9781582437316
Kindle: B00C0JIZ56
Hardcover / e-Book
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"An Intriguing and Complex Mystery of Colonial America"

Fresh Fiction Review

Original Death
Eliot Pattison

Reviewed by Jennifer Barnhart
Posted May 22, 2014

Historical | Inspirational

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.

Learn more about Original Death

SUMMARY

Despite the raging war between French and British, Scottish exile Duncan McCallum has begun to settle into a new life on the fringes of colonial America, traveling the woodlands with his companion Conawago, even joining the old Indian on his quest to find the last surviving members of his tribe. But the joy they feel on reaching the little settlement of Christian Indians is shattered when they find its residents ritually murdered. As terrible as the deaths may be, Conawago perceives something even darker and more alarming: he is convinced they are a sign of a terrible crisis in the spiritworld which he must resolve.

Trying to make sense of the murders, Duncan is accused by the British army of the crime. Escaping prison to follow the trail of evidence, he finds himself hounded by vengeful soldiers and stalked by Scottish rebels who are mysteriously trying to manipulate the war to their advantage. As he pieces together the puzzle of violence and deception he gradually realizes that it may not only be the lives of Duncan and his friends that hang in the balance, but the very survival of the native tribes. When he finally discovers the terrible truth, Duncan is forced to make a fateful choice between his beloved Highland clans and the woodland natives who have embraced and protected him.


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