THE DESERTER

The unsolved mystery here dates back to the Civil War, as Mary and Homer Kelly try to clear the name of one of her ancestors, who was accused of "skedaddling" from battle. Interspersed with the present-day story of their investigation is the tale of her ancestor and Otis Pike, the actual deserter, who resorts to murder to escape without discovery. Michael Prichard recreates the Civil War era with zest, especially the dramatic jumble of thoughts within the mind of cowardly Otis Pike. The theatrical quality of Prichard's voice is a good match for the stage setting that weaves throughout the novel. The story unfolds in expected ways and has a surprise or two at the end. J.A.S.
(c) AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine [Published: FEB/ MAR 04]