THE LONG SHADOW OF MURDER

In the 12th book in Kuhns’ historical mystery series, Will Rees and Constable Rouge are called upon to solve the murder of a traveler from out of town.

This installment returns readers to the Will Rees and his wife Lydia’s farm, adjacent to a Shaker community in Durham, Maine, in 1802.Rees and the constable find an out-of-town farm owner named Hans Bergin, dead in the trees along the side of the road; he was apparently bludgeoned to death. Notorious for his interest in young women, Bergin had upset members of the local Shaker community by insisting on seeing the “naked ladies dancing” there, even though the existence of such a spectacle was just hearsay. With little information to go on, Rees, Rouge, and Rees’ spouse set out to solve what almost becomes an increasingly complicated case. As more murders come to light, it becomes clear the investigation is necessary to ensure the safety of all the townspeople. Just when it seems the case might never be solved, an important missing piece of the puzzle is discovered, and an unlikely killer is revealed. Kuhns’ suspenseful historical whodunit features fast-paced action, but it also compellingly addresses important topics with sensitivity and depth, including post-traumatic stress disorder, war, infidelity, religion, and sexual assault. These elements effectively add to the plot without overwhelming it. Kuhns also includes well-researched facts about the American Revolutionary War, the Shaker community, and traditions of the era. The novel provides details about the Battle of Minisink, as well, which is vital to a large portion of the plot and especially important to the development of Shaker Ephraim Sewall’s character.Lastly, Lydia Rees is a refreshing presence in a setting in which women were often sidelined; she uncovers key evidence the men overlook, crucial to solving the case.

This well-researched mystery series entry will please fans and newcomers alike.