What do you think?
Rate this book
The Constable's Tale
Set in a tumultuous period that helped to forge a nation, a riveting mystery that takes a volunteer constable through the wilds of colonial North Carolina to track down a shadowy killer.
When a traveling peddler discovers the murder of a farm family in colonial North Carolina whose bodies have been left in bizarre positions, circumstances point to an Indian attack. But Harry Woodyard, a young planter who is the volunteer constable of Craven County during a period in America's past when there was no professional police force, finds clues that seem to indicate otherwise. The county establishment wants to blame the crime on a former inhabitant, an elderly Indian who has suddenly reappeared in the vicinity like an old ghost. But he is a person to whom Harry owes much.
Defying the authorities, Harry goes off on his own to find the real killer. His investigation takes him up the Atlantic seacoast and turns into a perilous hunt for even bigger quarry that could affect the future of Britain in the American continent.
About the Author
Donald Smith is a Washington, D.C.-based writer, broadcaster, and radio-TV producer. His articles have appeared in The Atlantic, Esquire, The New York Times Magazine, Rolling Stone, National Geographic, The Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, and Chicago Tribune. He was executive co-producer of Radio Expeditions, the DuPont Award-winning National Geographic-National Public Radio production heard on NPR's Morning Edition.
When a traveling peddler discovers the murder of a farm family in colonial North Carolina whose bodies have been left in bizarre positions, circumstances point to an Indian attack. But Harry Woodyard, a young planter who is the volunteer constable of Craven County during a period in America's past when there was no professional police force, finds clues that seem to indicate otherwise. The county establishment wants to blame the crime on a former inhabitant, an elderly Indian who has suddenly reappeared in the vicinity like an old ghost. But he is a person to whom Harry owes much.
Defying the authorities, Harry goes off on his own to find the real killer. His investigation takes him up the Atlantic seacoast and turns into a perilous hunt for even bigger quarry that could affect the future of Britain in the American continent.
About the Author
Donald Smith is a Washington, D.C.-based writer, broadcaster, and radio-TV producer. His articles have appeared in The Atlantic, Esquire, The New York Times Magazine, Rolling Stone, National Geographic, The Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, and Chicago Tribune. He was executive co-producer of Radio Expeditions, the DuPont Award-winning National Geographic-National Public Radio production heard on NPR's Morning Edition.
287 pages, Hardcover
First published September 15, 2015
22 people are currently reading
744 people want to read
About the author
Donald Smith
80 books11 followersLibrarian Note: This profile contains more than one author. Those listed below have multiple books listed on GoodReads.
Donald Smith (2 spaces): Scottish poet, novelist, and historian, Luath press
Donald Smith (3 spaces): manuals and business self-help
Donald Smith (4 spaces): cookbooks
Donald Smith (5 spaces): novels, Xulon Press
Donald Smith (6 spaces): children’s books
Donald Smith (7 spaces): Canadian professor reference books and history, especially French-Canadian
Donald Smith (2 spaces): Scottish poet, novelist, and historian, Luath press
Donald Smith (3 spaces): manuals and business self-help
Donald Smith (4 spaces): cookbooks
Donald Smith (5 spaces): novels, Xulon Press
Donald Smith (6 spaces): children’s books
Donald Smith (7 spaces): Canadian professor reference books and history, especially French-Canadian
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
November 3, 2015
I love reading stories set in this time period, before the Revolutionary War but this is the first I have read that starts in New Bern, North Carolina. Since there is no such thing as a police force, volunteers take on a position that they hold for a certain time period. Harry Woodyard is the volunteer constable when a family is found murdered, a father, mother and son, though the baby is left alive. Two items are left at the crime scene and identifying these items and clearing the name of a good friend will take Harry from his small farm and his young wife. His journey will take him to Boston and eventually further North right in the midst of the battle between the English and the French for Québec.
More a historical period piece than a straightforward mystery, the atmosphere, details of life in the colonies and the characters are all authentically portrayed. The political intrigues, men of means and their aspirations, traitors and spies, soldiers in battle, all make this a captivating read. The ending throws quite a twist at the reader, one I never saw coming. Quite a good book set during a very interesting time period.
More a historical period piece than a straightforward mystery, the atmosphere, details of life in the colonies and the characters are all authentically portrayed. The political intrigues, men of means and their aspirations, traitors and spies, soldiers in battle, all make this a captivating read. The ending throws quite a twist at the reader, one I never saw coming. Quite a good book set during a very interesting time period.
October 13, 2015
This book is difficult for me to evaluate. It certainly holds a steady tale and paints a distinct picture of an era and a locale. It's the end of the French and Indian War period within North Carolina homestead country. Our Constable is well fleshed and seems interesting to follow, and yet many of the other characters seem weirdly assembled. And some of them, like Maddie, for me did not seem to have perceptions, manners, or cultural sensibilities of their own period and background. The reveal was shocking and the justice nil, IMHO. What a strange mystery book overall! I doubt I will return to Harry as his professional skill advances. It's not the style as much as the content here that has a large chunk of distasteful to me. And is rather illogical on top of it.
June 29, 2015
I have to start by saying I am a fan of the time period this book covers which may influence my feelings about it.
This story takes place during the French and Indian War in the late 1750s. The main character, Harry Woodyard, is a small plantation owner and voluntary constable who is trying to raise his station in life. Three members of a family are murdered and when blame falls on an old Indian who helped raise Harry, he sets out to try and clear his name.
I love the stops in the various places he visited it and the historical people he met. I thought the author did a great job there. I also liked all the little details on how life was like back then. My main criticism was I thought we got a few too many well that was convenient for the plot moments to keep the story moving. I still quite enjoyed it and was not expecting the twists. All in all a fun read and I hope it is not the last we see of Mr. Woodyard.
This story takes place during the French and Indian War in the late 1750s. The main character, Harry Woodyard, is a small plantation owner and voluntary constable who is trying to raise his station in life. Three members of a family are murdered and when blame falls on an old Indian who helped raise Harry, he sets out to try and clear his name.
I love the stops in the various places he visited it and the historical people he met. I thought the author did a great job there. I also liked all the little details on how life was like back then. My main criticism was I thought we got a few too many well that was convenient for the plot moments to keep the story moving. I still quite enjoyed it and was not expecting the twists. All in all a fun read and I hope it is not the last we see of Mr. Woodyard.
June 22, 2015
This historical fiction story takes place in the late 1700s during the French and Indian War. The Campbell family was found dead in their home and the only survivor was their young infant. Harry Woodyard, the volunteer constable of New Bern, North Carolina, searched the home and found that the bodies were staged the way the local Indians did after a massacre. Harry also found a piece of jewelry and a small map at the scene.
When the authorities captured Comet Elijah, an elderly Indian, and charged him with the murders, Harry was certain that Comet Elijah was innocent. The Indian had been a friend of Harry's family and even saved Harry's life once. So Harry was intent on proving that the owner of the jewelry was the murderer. Soon Harry discovered that the jewelry belonged to a member of the Free Masons and he traveled from his plantation in New Bern to Williamsburg, Philadelphia, and Boston to find the identity of the brooch's owner. He ended up in Canada on the battlefield in a war between the French and English.
This story is fast paced and keeps the reader interested in finding out what happens next. The author uses many historical settings and adds many factual details.
When the authorities captured Comet Elijah, an elderly Indian, and charged him with the murders, Harry was certain that Comet Elijah was innocent. The Indian had been a friend of Harry's family and even saved Harry's life once. So Harry was intent on proving that the owner of the jewelry was the murderer. Soon Harry discovered that the jewelry belonged to a member of the Free Masons and he traveled from his plantation in New Bern to Williamsburg, Philadelphia, and Boston to find the identity of the brooch's owner. He ended up in Canada on the battlefield in a war between the French and English.
This story is fast paced and keeps the reader interested in finding out what happens next. The author uses many historical settings and adds many factual details.
Read
August 29, 2015I received a free copy from the publisher in return for this review.
The summary indicated that the protagonist, Constable Harry Woodyard, went on an extensive foray through North America in order to discover the truth about the murder of a family in North Carolina. Knowing that The Constable's Tale is a first novel, I thought that the narrative might possibly become bogged down in travel details. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that Smith wielded his power of description with admirable restraint. Some popular bestselling authors should learn from his example. Suspenseful incidents that were relevant to the plot, or scenes involving character development happened at every stage of Woodyard's journey.
I admit that I found the resolution of the case anti-climactic, but I did gain a much better grasp of certain aspects of colonial life. Donald Smith made an impressive effort to maintain authenticity. If this author continues to follow the career of Constable Woodyard, I would be inclined to join him on his next adventure.
For my complete review see http://shomeretmasked.blogspot.com/20...
The summary indicated that the protagonist, Constable Harry Woodyard, went on an extensive foray through North America in order to discover the truth about the murder of a family in North Carolina. Knowing that The Constable's Tale is a first novel, I thought that the narrative might possibly become bogged down in travel details. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that Smith wielded his power of description with admirable restraint. Some popular bestselling authors should learn from his example. Suspenseful incidents that were relevant to the plot, or scenes involving character development happened at every stage of Woodyard's journey.
I admit that I found the resolution of the case anti-climactic, but I did gain a much better grasp of certain aspects of colonial life. Donald Smith made an impressive effort to maintain authenticity. If this author continues to follow the career of Constable Woodyard, I would be inclined to join him on his next adventure.
For my complete review see http://shomeretmasked.blogspot.com/20...
March 4, 2016
Darn. I really wanted to like this book, since it's full of what I like: a murder mystery, political intrigue, a regular Joe protagonist with a couple of special skills, all set during the French and Indian War (I love the American Colonial period). But I just couldn't get past the writing style, which by the end had me gritting my teeth in annoyance. So many sentence fragments. Like that one. And this one. This is an actual example from the book (the first 3 lines from chapter 30, on page 249, to be exact)- "An hour and a half after sunrise. A clamor erupted outside their cell. Rushing footsteps and excited voices." There were complete sentences, too, but way too many like those.
I was also really bugged by the scenes with the Baroness. They could have flirted without having Harry cheat on his wife (and I don't know how Jacqueline figures a bj isn't cheating).
I was also really bugged by the scenes with the Baroness. They could have flirted without having Harry cheat on his wife (and I don't know how Jacqueline figures a bj isn't cheating).
November 8, 2021
I think the summary of this book misinforms the reader. I expected the book to be more detective-y and less about spy games, which I didn't care about at all. The felt unnecessary for the plot; the revelation of the killer and Harry's reaction to it was random af.
January 17, 2020
Harry Woodyard is a constable in colonial Craven County, North Carolina. When a local family is murdered and an Indian friend is arrested for the crime, Harry sets off on a search for the real killer. His trail leads along the coast all the way to the Battle of Quebec as several attempts are made on his life to prevent his search. There is a surprise ending.
August 17, 2023
How can I write an essay on this…
April 6, 2017
For most Americans, the history of our country’s early years revolves around a set of iconic images learned in elementary school, most of which are at best misleading: the Pilgrims landing at Plymouth Rock (they didn’t); witches burning at the stake in Salem (not true); Washington chopping down the cherry tree (really??); and . . . well, you get the point. What actually happened, and what it was like to live in pre-Revolutionary America, is all a blank to the overwhelming majority of us.
Short of reading an academic cultural history of the period, which is likely to be unreadable, the best and for all practical matters the only way to get a fix on life during those times is through historical fiction. From Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter and James Fenimore Cooper’s The Last of the Mohicans to Geraldine Brooks’ Caleb’s Crossing, talented novelists have re-imagined life in Colonial America, giving us a window on what is otherwise invisible. Now comes Donald Smith’s The Constable’s Tale.
Structured as a detective novel, Smith’s tale vividly brings back to life the time shortly before the American Revolution when our colonial forebears were all loyal British subjects. The action takes place in the year 1759 when what Americans call the French and Indian Wars came to a head with the British victory at Quebec City.
The constable of the title is James Henry (“Harry”) Woodyard, Royal Constable of Craven County, North Carolina. Harry lives in New Bern, the second oldest town in the United States, with his bride, Toby; his mother and grandfather live nearby on the family’s growing plantation. Harry, whose post as constable is a volunteer position, is called into service when a traveler comes upon the brutal murder of the Campbell family on a neighboring farm.
The sheriff, the chief justice of the peace, and seemingly all of the townspeople quickly conclude that the murderer is Harry’s old friend, Comet Elijah, an old Native American of the Tuscarora tribe who mentored him as a young boy. Harry is convinced that his friend couldn’t possibly have murdered his neighbors, the Campbells. Determined to set Comet Elijah free from jail by identifying the real killer, Harry soon uncovers evidence pointing to someone else — and his quest to prove the man’s guilt and bring him to justice takes him on a months-long journey. Following his prey, Harry spends weeks traveling to Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and Quebec, landing him in the midst of the climactic battle in the war between the British and the French for the control of North America.
The Constable’s Tale is highly satisfying as a detective novel, suspenseful and surprising to the end, but its true rewards lie in its depiction of life as it was lived in Colonial America. The story is peopled with characters who illustrate the full range of Colonial class structure, from the pampered British aristocrats who rule the colonies to the wealthiest colonial farmers and merchants to the underclass into which Harry was born.
One charming aspect of The Constable’s Tale is the author’s use of excerpts from an 18th century book entitled the Rules of Civility & Decent Behavior In Company and Conversation to head up each chapter. Harry has virtually memorized the book and uses it as a guide to shedding his lower-class ways so he can rise into the elite. Here’s one great example: “Run not in the Streets, neither go too slowly nor with Mouth open go not Shaking yr Arms kick not the earth with yr feet, go not upon the Toes, nor in a Dancing fashion.”
Donald Smith is the author of at least five historical novels as well as other books about Scotland and Scottish history.
Short of reading an academic cultural history of the period, which is likely to be unreadable, the best and for all practical matters the only way to get a fix on life during those times is through historical fiction. From Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter and James Fenimore Cooper’s The Last of the Mohicans to Geraldine Brooks’ Caleb’s Crossing, talented novelists have re-imagined life in Colonial America, giving us a window on what is otherwise invisible. Now comes Donald Smith’s The Constable’s Tale.
Structured as a detective novel, Smith’s tale vividly brings back to life the time shortly before the American Revolution when our colonial forebears were all loyal British subjects. The action takes place in the year 1759 when what Americans call the French and Indian Wars came to a head with the British victory at Quebec City.
The constable of the title is James Henry (“Harry”) Woodyard, Royal Constable of Craven County, North Carolina. Harry lives in New Bern, the second oldest town in the United States, with his bride, Toby; his mother and grandfather live nearby on the family’s growing plantation. Harry, whose post as constable is a volunteer position, is called into service when a traveler comes upon the brutal murder of the Campbell family on a neighboring farm.
The sheriff, the chief justice of the peace, and seemingly all of the townspeople quickly conclude that the murderer is Harry’s old friend, Comet Elijah, an old Native American of the Tuscarora tribe who mentored him as a young boy. Harry is convinced that his friend couldn’t possibly have murdered his neighbors, the Campbells. Determined to set Comet Elijah free from jail by identifying the real killer, Harry soon uncovers evidence pointing to someone else — and his quest to prove the man’s guilt and bring him to justice takes him on a months-long journey. Following his prey, Harry spends weeks traveling to Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and Quebec, landing him in the midst of the climactic battle in the war between the British and the French for the control of North America.
The Constable’s Tale is highly satisfying as a detective novel, suspenseful and surprising to the end, but its true rewards lie in its depiction of life as it was lived in Colonial America. The story is peopled with characters who illustrate the full range of Colonial class structure, from the pampered British aristocrats who rule the colonies to the wealthiest colonial farmers and merchants to the underclass into which Harry was born.
One charming aspect of The Constable’s Tale is the author’s use of excerpts from an 18th century book entitled the Rules of Civility & Decent Behavior In Company and Conversation to head up each chapter. Harry has virtually memorized the book and uses it as a guide to shedding his lower-class ways so he can rise into the elite. Here’s one great example: “Run not in the Streets, neither go too slowly nor with Mouth open go not Shaking yr Arms kick not the earth with yr feet, go not upon the Toes, nor in a Dancing fashion.”
Donald Smith is the author of at least five historical novels as well as other books about Scotland and Scottish history.
October 17, 2016
Not a particularly exciting mystery or interesting characters. The plot meanders. Also, the second half contained many incomplete sentences which confused me and I had to reread to get the sense of what the author was saying! One hundred pages in and, sadly, I have to report that the writing is poor and the dialogue doesn't move the plot on. The relationship between characters isn't obvious, and friendships are formed without any rhyme or reason. The main character is hard to like; he alternates between being naive and a social climber. Disappointing.
May 6, 2018
The book's setting was before the American Revolution at the time of the French and Indian Wars. This setting, combined with there being a mystery involved, is what made me pick up this book. The author did a good job with the historical piece of the novel, making me feel like I was there, and bringing in different aspects of the setting- culture, different social classes, terrain, daily life, etc... I am not very familiar with this time period and don't know if the historical details are accurate, but the going back in time feeling was there for me. Unfortunately, I just couldn't get into the story itself, and the mystery was not a very good one. There were not many suspects or clues and the motives of the suspects were weak. I like a murder mystery where there are clues and lots of people who had a reason to commit the murder. I love trying to figure out the identity of the murderer. I couldn't do that here.
The characters were just okay. As I read I got to know them, but they just didn't seem real to me. The book was not predictable and the ending was a surprise to me, although I can't say that I liked it.
The author's writing style was organized and clear, not exciting nor anything that really stood out. At times there was an unconnected feel like the author wanted the story to go in a certain direction, but didn't know how to get it there, so just did it in a way that didn't mesh. Also, the same people would keep popping up in different places all along the eastern part of the United States- a huge area. There were reasons given for this, but they just weren't believable.
If you're looking for a good mystery, skip this one. If it's the time period you're interested in, you might enjoy it, but not if you're expecting a really good story.
The characters were just okay. As I read I got to know them, but they just didn't seem real to me. The book was not predictable and the ending was a surprise to me, although I can't say that I liked it.
The author's writing style was organized and clear, not exciting nor anything that really stood out. At times there was an unconnected feel like the author wanted the story to go in a certain direction, but didn't know how to get it there, so just did it in a way that didn't mesh. Also, the same people would keep popping up in different places all along the eastern part of the United States- a huge area. There were reasons given for this, but they just weren't believable.
If you're looking for a good mystery, skip this one. If it's the time period you're interested in, you might enjoy it, but not if you're expecting a really good story.
February 3, 2019
I didn't quite know what to expect from historical crime fiction set in Colonial America, and frankly even after reading it, I'm not really sure how to comment on what I got. I'm big on plot, and yes, the plot in this book was interesting, with some unexpected twists and turns. And as a fan of historical fiction, the test for me is whether I learn something new, whether it be from facts, new insights, or a unique perspective. And yes, the book passed on this score as well. So if the book had a decent enough story line and some valid insight into the period, why did it just earn 3 stars? I can't quite put my finger on it, but although everything was "good enough", it just never succeeded in gripping me or making me really care. If I'd lost the book, I wouldn't have felt it necessary to track down another copy to find out how it ended... I would have just shrugged and moved on to the next one. And to me, that says it all.
February 2, 2020
I'm not sure how to feel about this book. I loved the concept and did enjoy the story, although it did drag at parts. I don't know much about this time in Western history so I cannot tell if somethings were accurate or added to appease the readers.
Colonial America is an interesting time and there is a lot to work with. I think the story, especially the ending, would have been believable if Harry remained in New Bern rather than the wild goose chance he went on. I never cared about the war only Harry solving the crime which could have been done in New Bern.
Colonial America is an interesting time and there is a lot to work with. I think the story, especially the ending, would have been believable if Harry remained in New Bern rather than the wild goose chance he went on. I never cared about the war only Harry solving the crime which could have been done in New Bern.
August 14, 2018
A solidly good yarn of a tale, with some caveats
Though the story spins a little in the middle it comes together in a reasonably good fashion. That said, the epilogue leaves me a bit bewildered. The quasi- paranormal/supernatural last few pages weakens the story imo, and leaves me with a 'what was the point' feeling.
If the ending few pages had been left on the editors dustbin, this would have been a much stronger tale.
Though the story spins a little in the middle it comes together in a reasonably good fashion. That said, the epilogue leaves me a bit bewildered. The quasi- paranormal/supernatural last few pages weakens the story imo, and leaves me with a 'what was the point' feeling.
If the ending few pages had been left on the editors dustbin, this would have been a much stronger tale.
September 21, 2019
This book had potential, but most of it was wasted. The characters could have been more fully developed. The constable's journey up the eastern seaboard and ultimately to Quebec City was ludicrous. Since this took up so much of the book, it was hard to take the book seriously. Many smaller plot points were also too far-fetched.
August 16, 2018
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway. It is well written, has just the right amount of mystery and suspense and intrigue to keep you guessing and reading to find out the answers. More surprises than I was expecting, pleasantly so. Enjoy!
October 21, 2017
This was a good mystery. It had a surprising twist. I didn't like the ending. When I found out who did it I was disappointed... it was not at all who I expected.
February 24, 2020
The author runs a beautiful old bed and breakfast in DC, which is where I learned about the book. I thought it was a good historical novel. I learned a little and was pleasantly distracted.
July 9, 2021
Did not finish.
August 23, 2023
This essay is going to be rough.
February 15, 2016
This is the first paragraph of The Constable's Tale:
"The cries were thin and full of complaint. A baby somewhere ahead in the forest, making just enough noise to be heard above the clamor coming from Nicholas' wagon, which was filled with metal candle holders, cake stamps, spouted coffeepots, milk pails, and tools and raw materials for making and repairing such things."
This alternation between complete and incomplete sentences continues intermittently throughout the book. It may have been intended to drive the reader forward and create a more immersive reading experience, but I found it jarring and it frequently pulled me out of the story. The cover calls it a novel rather than a mystery; maybe the author was aiming for crime fiction/historical fiction with some stylistic flair. While the mystery was clearly more a pretext to set the plot gears in motion than anything else, for me the rest of the book didn't live up to these loftier aims.
The setting, initially colonial North Carolina but eventually up and down the east coast during the French and Indian War period, is unusual and drew me to reading this book. It was certainly more compelling than the mystery the protagonist, Harry Woodyard, was investigating, the murder of a family living in the settlement of New Bern. The crime was initially thought to be the work of Indians, and one happened to be found staying in the woods nearby-- Comet Elijah, an old man who had helped raise Woodyard. In an effort to clear the name of Comet Elijah and discover the true murderer, Woodyard takes off on an improbable journey to discover the owner of a piece of jewelry found at the murder scene, which mostly serves as an excuse for him to travel through the colonies, meet various historical figures (including George Washington and Thomas Jefferson), and accidentally take part in the Battle of Quebec. He also leaves his new wife at home to oversee his plantation as he gets more and more absorbed in what's going on with his childhood sweetheart and her new fiance. The mystery is ultimately wrapped up in a fairly unsatisfying way upon Woodyard's return to North Carolina after several previous feints at resolution.
The setting was also more compelling than the characters, none of whom seemed particularly believable or well-rounded. This was particularly true of all the supporting characters. They seemed to act in the ways they did more because they needed to for plot purposes rather than for any coherent motivation (or because they were stock villains, as in the case of Richard Ayerdale, the man who was due to marry Woodyard's childhood sweetheart. As an aside: How can you tell Ayerdale was a bad guy? Mysterious scar on face: check. Seen whipping young slave girl: check. Bigoted to such an extent that he insults his bride-to-be and father-in-law's nationality to their faces: check. Gambling debts? Running away from battles? Attempted rape? Treason? All checks).
Based on the author's note at the end, it seems like the author thought that most people would question the realism of the French spymaster. My main issue with this character is that they alternated between having sex with, attempting to kill, and saving the life of Woodyard with no rhyme or reason other than plot needs and Woodyard's apparently irresistible sex appeal (Woodyard tells us that he's one of those fortunate guys who can basically sleep with any woman he wants; certainly the book doesn't present any actual reason why this would be the case)-- it seemed like something more out of a James Bond novel than anything with any pretense to realism.
When Woodyard finally returns to New Bern, thinking that he's resolved the mystery, he discovers purely by chance that Comet Elijah killed the family after all. Why? Because he was apparently crazy. Then he lets Comet Elijah vanish into the woods to head to Florida.
"The cries were thin and full of complaint. A baby somewhere ahead in the forest, making just enough noise to be heard above the clamor coming from Nicholas' wagon, which was filled with metal candle holders, cake stamps, spouted coffeepots, milk pails, and tools and raw materials for making and repairing such things."
This alternation between complete and incomplete sentences continues intermittently throughout the book. It may have been intended to drive the reader forward and create a more immersive reading experience, but I found it jarring and it frequently pulled me out of the story. The cover calls it a novel rather than a mystery; maybe the author was aiming for crime fiction/historical fiction with some stylistic flair. While the mystery was clearly more a pretext to set the plot gears in motion than anything else, for me the rest of the book didn't live up to these loftier aims.
The setting, initially colonial North Carolina but eventually up and down the east coast during the French and Indian War period, is unusual and drew me to reading this book. It was certainly more compelling than the mystery the protagonist, Harry Woodyard, was investigating, the murder of a family living in the settlement of New Bern. The crime was initially thought to be the work of Indians, and one happened to be found staying in the woods nearby-- Comet Elijah, an old man who had helped raise Woodyard. In an effort to clear the name of Comet Elijah and discover the true murderer, Woodyard takes off on an improbable journey to discover the owner of a piece of jewelry found at the murder scene, which mostly serves as an excuse for him to travel through the colonies, meet various historical figures (including George Washington and Thomas Jefferson), and accidentally take part in the Battle of Quebec. He also leaves his new wife at home to oversee his plantation as he gets more and more absorbed in what's going on with his childhood sweetheart and her new fiance. The mystery is ultimately wrapped up in a fairly unsatisfying way upon Woodyard's return to North Carolina after several previous feints at resolution.
The setting was also more compelling than the characters, none of whom seemed particularly believable or well-rounded. This was particularly true of all the supporting characters. They seemed to act in the ways they did more because they needed to for plot purposes rather than for any coherent motivation (or because they were stock villains, as in the case of Richard Ayerdale, the man who was due to marry Woodyard's childhood sweetheart. As an aside: How can you tell Ayerdale was a bad guy? Mysterious scar on face: check. Seen whipping young slave girl: check. Bigoted to such an extent that he insults his bride-to-be and father-in-law's nationality to their faces: check. Gambling debts? Running away from battles? Attempted rape? Treason? All checks).
Based on the author's note at the end, it seems like the author thought that most people would question the realism of the French spymaster. My main issue with this character is that they alternated between having sex with, attempting to kill, and saving the life of Woodyard with no rhyme or reason other than plot needs and Woodyard's apparently irresistible sex appeal (Woodyard tells us that he's one of those fortunate guys who can basically sleep with any woman he wants; certainly the book doesn't present any actual reason why this would be the case)-- it seemed like something more out of a James Bond novel than anything with any pretense to realism.
When Woodyard finally returns to New Bern, thinking that he's resolved the mystery, he discovers purely by chance that Comet Elijah killed the family after all. Why? Because he was apparently crazy. Then he lets Comet Elijah vanish into the woods to head to Florida.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 17, 2020
What I hoped would be a colonial America who done it turned into something not as appealing to me. But it was O.K. The book cover is gorgeous.
October 14, 2015
Donald Smith in his new book, “The Constable’s Tale” published by Pegasus Books LLC gives us to A Novel of Colonial America.
From the back cover: Set in a tumultuous period that helped to forge a nation, a riveting mystery that takes a volunteer constable through the wilds of colonial North Carolina to track down a shadowy killer
When a traveling peddler discovers the murder of a farm family in colonial North Carolina whose bodies have been left in bizarre positions, circumstances point to an Indian attack. But Harry Woodyard, a young planter who is the volunteer constable of Craven County during a period in America’s past when there was no professional police force, finds clues that seem to indicate otherwise.
The county establishment wants to blame the crime on a former inhabitant, an elderly Indian who has suddenly reappeared in the vicinity like an old ghost. But he is a person to whom Harry owes much.
Defying the authorities, Harry goes off on his own to find the real killer. His investigation takes him up the Atlantic seacoast and turns into a hunt for even bigger quarry and more adventure then he ever dreamed possible. During his search for the truth about the murders, Harry learns that the eyes are not always to be trusted and people are not always as they seem.
I have never read a historical fiction story that took place in the late 1700s during the French and Indian War before. I had no idea of how a murder mystery set place then and there would work so I was intrigued as it seemed like a clever idea. Wow, let me assure you this is more than clever and it works so brilliantly. Royal Constable James Henry Woodyard is a regular person who happens to be a planter and then a part-time constable. He is a magnificent character and Mr. Smith builds him in such a manner that you believe his stubbornness as he sets off to find the real killer. “The Constable’s Tale” grabs you with the storyline and keeps you flipping pages as fast as possible. Don’t start this book late at night because you are going to want to finish it before you go to bed. A truly intriguing suspenseful thriller. I truly hope that Mr. Smith will give us more adventure with Royal Constable James Henry Woodyard.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Pegasus Books LLC. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
From the back cover: Set in a tumultuous period that helped to forge a nation, a riveting mystery that takes a volunteer constable through the wilds of colonial North Carolina to track down a shadowy killer
When a traveling peddler discovers the murder of a farm family in colonial North Carolina whose bodies have been left in bizarre positions, circumstances point to an Indian attack. But Harry Woodyard, a young planter who is the volunteer constable of Craven County during a period in America’s past when there was no professional police force, finds clues that seem to indicate otherwise.
The county establishment wants to blame the crime on a former inhabitant, an elderly Indian who has suddenly reappeared in the vicinity like an old ghost. But he is a person to whom Harry owes much.
Defying the authorities, Harry goes off on his own to find the real killer. His investigation takes him up the Atlantic seacoast and turns into a hunt for even bigger quarry and more adventure then he ever dreamed possible. During his search for the truth about the murders, Harry learns that the eyes are not always to be trusted and people are not always as they seem.
I have never read a historical fiction story that took place in the late 1700s during the French and Indian War before. I had no idea of how a murder mystery set place then and there would work so I was intrigued as it seemed like a clever idea. Wow, let me assure you this is more than clever and it works so brilliantly. Royal Constable James Henry Woodyard is a regular person who happens to be a planter and then a part-time constable. He is a magnificent character and Mr. Smith builds him in such a manner that you believe his stubbornness as he sets off to find the real killer. “The Constable’s Tale” grabs you with the storyline and keeps you flipping pages as fast as possible. Don’t start this book late at night because you are going to want to finish it before you go to bed. A truly intriguing suspenseful thriller. I truly hope that Mr. Smith will give us more adventure with Royal Constable James Henry Woodyard.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Pegasus Books LLC. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
November 14, 2015
The Constable’s Tale by Donald Smith
New Bern, North Carolina, early 1700’s, around the time of the French and Indian War.
A man looking to open a Tinsmith’s shop in the town of New Bern in the North Carolina Colony happens upon a murder as he nears the town.
At the small plantation of the Campbell family, Edward Campbell, his wife Anne, and their adopted son Andrew, lie murdered; the bodies posed afterwards. Oddly enough the Campbell’s infant child is left alive.
Craven County Royal Constable James Henry Woodyard is in charge of the investigation. At first glance, the culprit or culprits appear to have been Native American. But the good Constable finds an expensive-looking Masonic medal and a map of Pamlico Sound under the baby’s crib. Now, he is not so sure it was a Native American.
Meanwhile an old Native American named Comet Elijah, who had help raise Woodyard, is discovered near the town and arrested for the murder. Woodyard cannot believe his old friend is guilty. He receives permission to pursue the Masonic Medal and leaves for Williamsburg, Virginia Colony to visit metal smiths.
Eventually the search for the owner of the Masonic Medal will send Constable Woodyard on a long chase and involves matters that could threaten Colonial America. The action is quick paced and smooth as the venue changes from New Bern to Williamsburg to Philadelphia to Boston and on to the front battle lines in Quebec. There are dangers and strange encounters along the way. And an extra twist at the end that is nothing short of a Masterpiece!
This was my first adventure with Constable Woodyard but I sincerely hope it won’t be the last. Mr. Donald Smith, my hat is off to you, Sir!
Definitely five stars out of five!
Quoth the Raven…
New Bern, North Carolina, early 1700’s, around the time of the French and Indian War.
A man looking to open a Tinsmith’s shop in the town of New Bern in the North Carolina Colony happens upon a murder as he nears the town.
At the small plantation of the Campbell family, Edward Campbell, his wife Anne, and their adopted son Andrew, lie murdered; the bodies posed afterwards. Oddly enough the Campbell’s infant child is left alive.
Craven County Royal Constable James Henry Woodyard is in charge of the investigation. At first glance, the culprit or culprits appear to have been Native American. But the good Constable finds an expensive-looking Masonic medal and a map of Pamlico Sound under the baby’s crib. Now, he is not so sure it was a Native American.
Meanwhile an old Native American named Comet Elijah, who had help raise Woodyard, is discovered near the town and arrested for the murder. Woodyard cannot believe his old friend is guilty. He receives permission to pursue the Masonic Medal and leaves for Williamsburg, Virginia Colony to visit metal smiths.
Eventually the search for the owner of the Masonic Medal will send Constable Woodyard on a long chase and involves matters that could threaten Colonial America. The action is quick paced and smooth as the venue changes from New Bern to Williamsburg to Philadelphia to Boston and on to the front battle lines in Quebec. There are dangers and strange encounters along the way. And an extra twist at the end that is nothing short of a Masterpiece!
This was my first adventure with Constable Woodyard but I sincerely hope it won’t be the last. Mr. Donald Smith, my hat is off to you, Sir!
Definitely five stars out of five!
Quoth the Raven…
September 7, 2015
If you’re interested in historical fiction set in Colonial America, this was a great read. It blends history, mystery, and interesting characters. Even better, this is a travel story as well, winding from North Carolina all the way to Quebec.
I enjoyed everything about this book. As a character, Harry is interesting -- he’s physically tough (he's a mean fighter with a tomahawk) but smart as well, and far from perfect. He’s struggling with a lot of issues, including being loyal to his new wife when he really loves someone else, and struggling with issues of career and social status. He’s been raised by his mother to move higher in political society, only he’s torn by his own values and wanting to do right by his friends and his wife. His mentor, Justice MacLeod, has drilled into him the rules of social and political etiquette, and he genuinely tries to follow those rules. I found myself frustrated with some of Harry's decisions at times, but he still kept my respect throughout.
The story moves at a nice pace and never feels weighed down by too much historical detail. In fact, the interactions of the 1750s between the British and the colonials are so fascinating, I would have liked more. Most historical fiction focuses on the revolutionary period, but here the French and Indian War and the British attack on Quebec play a big role in this story.
Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from publisher Pegasus Books in exchange for an honest review. My full review is at http://thebookstop.wordpress.com.
I enjoyed everything about this book. As a character, Harry is interesting -- he’s physically tough (he's a mean fighter with a tomahawk) but smart as well, and far from perfect. He’s struggling with a lot of issues, including being loyal to his new wife when he really loves someone else, and struggling with issues of career and social status. He’s been raised by his mother to move higher in political society, only he’s torn by his own values and wanting to do right by his friends and his wife. His mentor, Justice MacLeod, has drilled into him the rules of social and political etiquette, and he genuinely tries to follow those rules. I found myself frustrated with some of Harry's decisions at times, but he still kept my respect throughout.
The story moves at a nice pace and never feels weighed down by too much historical detail. In fact, the interactions of the 1750s between the British and the colonials are so fascinating, I would have liked more. Most historical fiction focuses on the revolutionary period, but here the French and Indian War and the British attack on Quebec play a big role in this story.
Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from publisher Pegasus Books in exchange for an honest review. My full review is at http://thebookstop.wordpress.com.
November 27, 2015
The French and Indian War isn't a common setting for a mystery and that lends a freshness to this debut work.
Harry Woodyard, who operates a small North Carolina plantation and serves as a volunteer constable, is content with his new bride and his efforts to raise his status with a help of an obliging magistrate, until the murder of a neighboring family shakes the foundation of his world.
An elderly Indian who had been a mentor to Harry is accused of the crime. Harry is determined to clear his friend and find the real murderer. The discovery of a Masonic emblem with a puzzling inscription and a nautical chart at the scene of the crime send Harry in a quest of clues that leads him up the coast, from the Carolinas to Pennsylvania, onward to Boston and, finally, to Canada where he finds himself in the midst of a major clash between the British and French troops.
Along the way there are attempts on his life and a friend who assisted his investigation is slain. Harry encounters a host of intriguing characters including an old love and her dangerous fiance, a fascinating French baroness and historical figures like George Washington and a youthful Thomas Jefferson.
The Constable's Tale is rich with historical detail, surprising twists and a satisfying conclusion. I look forward to reading more from Donald Smith.
Harry Woodyard, who operates a small North Carolina plantation and serves as a volunteer constable, is content with his new bride and his efforts to raise his status with a help of an obliging magistrate, until the murder of a neighboring family shakes the foundation of his world.
An elderly Indian who had been a mentor to Harry is accused of the crime. Harry is determined to clear his friend and find the real murderer. The discovery of a Masonic emblem with a puzzling inscription and a nautical chart at the scene of the crime send Harry in a quest of clues that leads him up the coast, from the Carolinas to Pennsylvania, onward to Boston and, finally, to Canada where he finds himself in the midst of a major clash between the British and French troops.
Along the way there are attempts on his life and a friend who assisted his investigation is slain. Harry encounters a host of intriguing characters including an old love and her dangerous fiance, a fascinating French baroness and historical figures like George Washington and a youthful Thomas Jefferson.
The Constable's Tale is rich with historical detail, surprising twists and a satisfying conclusion. I look forward to reading more from Donald Smith.
November 29, 2015
A very compelling work of historical fiction. I had the opportunity to meet with and get to know the author staying one weekend at his bed and breakfast, The Chester A. Arthur House, in Washington, D.C. earlier this year. The book is everything he promised and more. An engaging tale set in an underused period of our history mixing the common man with historic personages, the author's characters come to life, his writing is crisp but descriptive. I found myself caring about the characters, some of whom are neither good not evil, but flit between. I laughed aloud at some places and eagerly consumed the novel as the action built, wanting to find the resolution, but also knowing I would miss this world the author so skillfully wove.
I hope Mr. Smith will follow up with further novels of this period, be they centered upon these protagonists or expanding more minor characters or individuals yet mentioned.
Thank you, Mr. Smith for telling me about your novel, it was truly a pleasure to experience.
I hope Mr. Smith will follow up with further novels of this period, be they centered upon these protagonists or expanding more minor characters or individuals yet mentioned.
Thank you, Mr. Smith for telling me about your novel, it was truly a pleasure to experience.
August 12, 2016
I enjoy mystery novels set in remote locations or eras. This one is set in colonial America in the time of the war with French for the control of North America. It has some of the usual insertions of modern sensibilities to make the protagonists more attractive to contemporary readers but it is not excessive. The historical detail is, from what I can tell, quite accurate and the author successfully transports the reader to the time. The author has the additional gift of describing fight and sex scenes with real tension, not a small accomplishment. The mystery, perhaps more of a thriller, really isn't all that interesting from a sleuth point of view, the detective more or less keeps stumbling forward with more determination than sense, but that is always the way when the story is of an amateur who just can't let something go.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews