Book Review: Bone Rattler: A Mystery of Colonial America

Reviewed By: Pat Reid - RAM

Bone Rattler: A Mystery of Colonial America     Amazon US HC Amazon Canada HC
Eliot Pattison
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Historical   Native American
Counterpoint, 2008, 464 pps.

This is an adventure that takes you from a British convict ship to the colonies. Duncan McCallum is the Scottish chief of his near extinct clan and finds on the high seas just how much his heritage means to him. The prisoners are indentured to Lord Ramsey who dreams of an empire in the New Land. To what extent will Lord Ramsey go to accomplish this goal? Duncan finds the answer but he has to face many dangers before the true story of Lord Ramsey and his family comes to light.

The story of Duncan’s quest for the truth starts when Adam Munroe, Duncan’s one true friend among the prisoners, falls to his death. Adam leaves Duncan a strange keepsake that Duncan treasures. Mysterious deaths occur on the ship and Duncan is drafted to replace the tutor who has died. Strange signs appear and Duncan tries to decipher the meanings.

Once the ship docks Duncan begins to slowly unravel the puzzle of the Ramsey Company. Duncan travels deeper into the wilderness along with some members of Ramsey’s family. Duncan has a constant friend in Lister a keeper on the ship who is being held for murder. Duncan finds a few allies but seems to face more enemies than gain friends.

A good read that makes you stop and think of the challenges the people who came to this country before us faced.

Pat Reid - RAM

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Pat Reid - RAM

Please Note: Books reviewed are usually provided by the publisher, author, or an agent. Reviewers usually get to keep the book.