B. B. Oak

Yes, that's Henry David Thoreau who is at the center of this mystery. This is a bit different from your average cozy mystery. It's written in nineteenth-century style. It deals with some heavier than usual issues; at the center of the story are runaway slaves and slave-catchers. Members of the Underground Railroad have been murdered, one in the maybe-haunted Phantom Bog. Thoreau is running around Plumford, Massachusetts (a.k.a. Concord) with the help of his friends, Dr. Adam Walker and the doctor's secret love, Julia Pelletier. Julia is trying to rid herself of her terrible ex-husband. In the midst of this, the three friends are trying to determine who the murderer is and where the secret slave-catcher might be.

Narration in this book alternates between Adam and Julia. I figured out who the murderer was. The more I read of the book, the more I got used to the narrative style. I also enjoyed the book more the further I got into it. The start was a bit slow, but I'm glad I gave it a chance.… (altro)

Very unique and endearing, this is a crime mystery novel set in the 1850s starring Henry David Thoreau, American essayist, poet and practical philosopher. The main characters are a pair of cousins, Julia and Adam, who are in love with each other but are deathly afraid of the consequences a match such as theirs might have on possible offspring. Chapters are written from both Julia's and Adam's perspectives, alternating throughout, as their personal journal entries. The setting is a sleepy New England town called Plumford, not far from Boston. Adam happens upon the body of a mysterious young black man, who appears to have been murdered and then thrown from a cliff called Devil's Perch. Henry Thoreau also happens along, and the two begin to work together to disprove the town officials' opinion that this was an accidental death and to unravel the mystery of who dunnit. Of course, this murder is only the beginning of the crimes to be sleuthed as this novel unfurls. There are many twists and turns and surprises all along the way in this clever tale of small town folks whose lives are interwoven and whose secrets abound. I would suggest this book for anyone who enjoys a good mystery and especially for fans of Henry David Thoreau and his naturalist views.

I received a copy of this book free through Library Thing Member Giveaways in exchange for an honest review.… (altro)

I received "Thoreau At Devil's Perch" as a Member Giveaway book from LibraryThing, which delighted me. B.B. Oak (Beth and Ben Oak) make an awesome writing team! I enjoyed every minute of this story. It's a historical fiction story full of mystery with fun, interesting characters. I found myself attached to the open-minded characters in the book-- Henry David Thoreau, Julia, Adam... The writing based in these classic times was very fitting, in my opinion. I also enjoyed being given insight here and there into the type of person Thoreau was. Wonderfully written and highly entertaining. I recommend this book.

I also appreciate the opportunity I was given to win and read it!… (altro)