Sam Blackman is an angry man. A chief warrant officer in the criminal investigation detachment of the US military, he lost a leg in Iraq and has been outspoken in his criticism of his medical treatment. Then, ex-marine and fellow amputee Tikima Robertson walks into his hospital room, hinting that she has an opportunity for Sam to use his investigative skills. But before she can return, Tikima is murdered, her body found floating in the French Broad River.
When a journal dating to 1919 is found in Tikima's home, detailing a ninety-year-old crime that foreshadows Tikima's death, Sam must delve into the area's rich history, the legacy of the Vanderbilts at the Biltmore estate, and author Tom Wolfeto uncover the murderous truth.
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"I listened to this as an audiobook on some of my longer runs. It was a good story and the ending wasn't predictable. The narrator drove me crazy doing all the different voices and I feel like he had weird pauses, but the book itself was enjoyable." — Kristi (4 out of 5 stars)
"I listened to this as an audiobook on some of my longer runs. It was a good story and the ending wasn't predictable. The narrator drove me crazy doing all the different voices and I feel like he had weird pauses, but the book itself was enjoyable."
“High adventure, including lost treasure, and historical detail about Asheville…combine to keep listeners engaged. Winner of the AudioFile Earphones Award.”
“Outstanding…A wealth of historical detail, an exciting treasure hunt, and credible characters distinguish this fresh, adventurous read.”
“Known for his effortless storytelling, de Castrique once again delivers a compelling tale blending fact and fiction, this one involving racial tension, the aftermath of war, and the authentication of manuscripts.”
" This is another one that I listened to in my car. I enjoyed this one with it's bits of history. "
" This is the first in a new mystery series starring Sam Blackman, an injured Iraq war veteran who lost his leg while serving. It looks like a promising start. "
" I really enjoyed reading the excellent story of the Iraq vet, amputee, intertwined with the history of Ashville North Carolina. Ashville is one of my favorite places, and I learned a lot I didn't know. "
" A strong protagonist bodes well for future entries in the series, but I'd like to see some more creativity in the plotting. "
" What could a 90-year-old diary have to do with the murder of an American veteran? Fellow veteran (and amputee) Sam Blackman investigates. This book is a great mystery and a fascinating look at historic Asheville and the Biltmore estate. "
" I hesitate when giving this four stars because it is no Jane Austin or Tom Wolfe. However, for an easy read and interesting history surrounding a place I love visiting, (the Vanderbilt Mansion), it was enjoyable. "
" This was an interesting story incorporating places and history from around Asheville, North Carolina and the Biltmore House. Very entertaining. "
" Enjoyed the local history about Asheville NC, Vanderbilts' Biltmore House and the gemstone/gold mining history of Western North Carolina. De Castrique is a good storyteller "
" This in an intricately plotted mystery set in Asheville, NC. Not great literature but good escapist reading. "
" Sam Blackman is back from Iraq minus a leg. He is languishing in a VA hospital in Asheville NC because of his outspoken criticism of medical practices at Walter Reed Hospital. "
" Good mystery with a historical background set in Asheville NC. Chief character is an Iraq war vet whose lost a leg. Some good Thomas Wolfe trivia. "
" This book passed the 3 chapter test with flying colors - but then it took a nose dive and I never completed it. Wasn't worth continuing when there are so many good books out there. "
" Not usually my cup o' tea, but this mystery series features a likable hero and heroine and an interesting premise. In this book, an unpublished work by Thomas Wolfe helps the good guys solve both a recent murder and one that occurred in the early 1900s. "
" New series by this author. Lots of Biltmore House, Thomas Wolfe history. "
" Quick donwload on the iPod. The main character is an Iraqi vet who has just come home from being wounded (lost his leg), so it was interesting how the author "maneuvered" him around in the story as he becomes a detective by default. "
Mark de Castrique is the author of the Washington, DC, political thriller, The 13th Target, and author of the critically acclaimed Barry Clayton and Sam Blackman mystery series, both set in the mountains of his native North Carolina, and as well as mysteries for young adults. He is a veteran of the television and film production industry and serves as an adjunct professor at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.
William Dufris attended the University of Southern Maine in Portland-Gorham before pursuing a career in voice work in London and then the United States. He has won more than twenty AudioFile Earphones Awards, was voted one of the Best Voices at the End of the Century by AudioFile magazine, and won the prestigious Audie Award in 2012 for best nonfiction narration. He lives with his family in Maine.
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