Carol Amorosi
Death on the Line
A classic murder mystery, by debut author Carol Amorosi
In 1763, a young Scot named Angus MacKay was offered the opportunity of a lifetime, to work as an apprentice on a ground-breaking surveying project, to define the border between the American colonies of Maryland and Pennsylvania, using new technologies. The border had been fiercely contested for many years, and the King had ordered British surveyors, Charles Mason and Jeremiah Dixon, to resolve the issue once and for all. Angus sells everything he owns and sets sail from London to America, in search of a better life in the colonies. But during the ten-week journey, he notices some suspicious activity between a sailor and a crewman, as they secretly exchange a package.
Arriving in Philadelphia, Angus notices the same sailor exchanging packages with another man, and senses something is not quite right. The surveying team leave Philadelphia and travel towards the border of Pennsylvania and Maryland, where Angus befriends Susquehannock Natives, Running Bear and Gray Wolf. But during their journey, the team hears news of brutal attacks on the Conestoga, a Native American tribe, and Angus notices the team are being followed by a one-armed man. But when Angus stumbles over a dead body, he becomes the prime murder suspect. Desperate to clear his name, Angus must do everything he can, to learn the truth and find the killer.
Death on the Line is a thrilling murder mystery, and the first book in The MacKay Mysteries historical fiction series. Extensively researched, and based on real events cleverly crafted from Charles Mason's own journals, this book provides a fascinating insight into colonial America and the experiences of the Native Americans and the early settlers. With wonderful descriptions of the landscape, rich characterisation with authentic dialogue, and a unique and gripping plot, this is an excellent book and will appeal to readers of both historical fiction and murder mysteries.
Star rating: 5 Stars
Summary: A thrilling murder mystery, extensively researched, and cleverly crafted from Charles Mason's own journals, this book will appeal to readers of both historical fiction and murder mysteries.
