Blood Harvest
by Brant Randall
Published by Capital Crime Press (May release)
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Reviewed by: Patricia E. Reid
In this historical mystery, Marshall Lawe is a marshall in Peony Springs, located in New England. Marshall Lawe’s dialogue starts you on the journey through the events that occurred in Peony Springs, which culminated in the death of Nick DeCosta at the hands of the Klu Klux Klan. The Klan had been after Nick years earlier when he eloped with Mary Elizabeth MacKay. Mary Elizabeth rescued Nick, the couple made it across the county line, and there they stayed.
Mary and Nick had a boy that they named Angus after Mary Elizabeth’s father, but the breach between the families never healed. When Angus DeCosta reached the age of fifteen, he decided to cross the county line. Angus showed up at a church social and got in some trouble with Jackie Sue Palmer. Jackie Sue was a wild 13-year-old girl with visions of becoming a movie star.
Angus MacKay, Jackie Sue’s cousin, broke up the two who were snuggling and then things went downhill from there. All of the commotion caused by this one incident brought about two trials. One trial was held in the home county of Angus DeCosta and one in the home county of Angus MacKay.
You become acquainted with the local residents thorough their telling of their story. Even Chief, Marshall Lawe’s dog, tells his side.
Nick DeCosta is indeed hanged by the Klan. The militia comes in to break up the gathering but Nick is not the only victim in this story.
Brant Randall (a.k.a. Bruce Cook) has written a very interesting and engrossing tale of the times in New England in 1928. I loved all the characters and their stories of happiness and sorrow. Randall tells a complicated story in a way that you feel a kinship with the characters. I was very surprised to learn that the Klan targeted Italians. The Klan was very active in New England in the 1920s. The author revealed facts in our history that were new to me.
Armchair Interviews says: You will be both entertained and educated in this excellent tale.
Author’s Web site: http://www.BruceCookonline.com