Publisher: Pegasus Books, 2015
Genre: historical fiction, mystery
Pages: 287
Obtained: library
Summary: It is 1759. A family is found murdered at their home by a traveler. Harry Woodyard, the volunteer constable of Craven County, North Carolina, sets out to clear the name of a Native American who is arrested for the murders. Can he find the real murderer?
Thoughts: The book's setting was before the American Revolution at the time of the French and Indian Wars. This setting, combined with there being a mystery involved, is what made me pick up this book. The author did a good job with the historical piece of the novel, making me feel like I was there, and bringing in different aspects of the setting- culture, different social classes, terrain, daily life, etc... I am not very familiar with this time period and don't know if the historical details are accurate, but the going back in time feeling was there for me. Unfortunately, I just couldn't get into the story itself, and the mystery was not a very good one. There were not many suspects or clues and the motives of the suspects were weak. I like a murder mystery where there are clues and lots of people who had a reason to commit the murder. I love trying to figure out the identity of the murderer. I couldn't do that here.
The characters were just okay. As I read I got to know them, but they just didn't seem real to me. The book was not predictable and the ending was a surprise to me, although I can't say that I liked it.
The author's writing style was organized and clear, not exciting nor anything that really stood out. At times there was an unconnected feel like the author wanted the story to go in a certain direction, but didn't know how to get it there, so just did it in a way that didn't mesh. Also, the same people would keep popping up in different places all along the eastern part of the United States- a huge area. There were reasons given for this, but they just weren't believable.
If you're looking for a good mystery, skip this one. If it's the time period you're interested in, you might enjoy it, but not if you're expecting a really good story.
Tea: Midsummer Night's Dream
Obtained: free sample with purchase
I received a sample for one cup of Midsummer Night's Dream tea with a purchase from David's Tea. It was an herbal tea which was caffeine free. The ingredients were apple (apple, citric acid), gooseberries, spearmint, marigold blossoms, safflower petals, rose petals, and artificial flavoring.
I tore open the packet easily. The tea consisted of big yellow, brown, and red fruit chunks with long yellow and red flower petals, and very small, broken green leaves. I put the contents of the envelope in my teapot and poured 16 ounces of water that had been boiled over them. I let this steep for 4 minutes. The bright yellow liquid had a citrus scent that was sweet. The taste was a sweet citrus / vanilla blend with a hint of florals. There was a tart berry and subdued mint flavor in the background. This was a flavorful, refreshing, enjoyable tea that relaxed me. I think it would be great iced. This is definitely a tea for citrus lovers.
Aw... too bad. I do like a good mystery but if this isn't one, thanks for letting me know!
ReplyDeleteGlad to give you the heads up.
DeleteYou're welcome.
ReplyDelete