Patriots & Poisons: A Founding Fathers Mystery

Founding Fathers Mystery #1

by Jamison Borek

It is March 1797 and Federalist John Adams has just been sworn in as President, when the poisoning of a waiter at George Washington's farewell dinner ignites a political firestorm that threatens to destroy him as well as the United States.

Soon everyone is asking, was the waiter really the intended victim or was Thomas Jefferson, Adams's chief Republican rival, the one who was supposed to die? Is there a murderous Federalist conspiracy to eliminate their political rivals and stay in power?

Adams picks Jacob Martin, a moderate Senator from South Carolina, to investigate, and the stakes are high. The nation is teetering on the brink of civil war and the murderer must be found.

Who did it? A religious “true believer” who thinks Jefferson is in league with the devil? A former captive of Barbary pirates with a grudge? A jealous husband or jilted mistress? Or is there really a deadly Federalist conspiracy after all? Does Adams really want the truth to be found?

Jacob finds himself in a race against time to find the answers, to save the nation, his own future, and the woman he loves.

Patriots and Poisons takes you inside one of the most fascinating periods in US history. As this intriguing murder mystery unfolds, it provides you with a realistic, up close look at the politics, people, and culture of a time when the survival of the nation was still in doubt.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Mystery, Fiction

304 pages, Paperback

First published January 19, 2015

About the author

I love mysteries and always wanted to write them. When my husband and I became involved in 18th century "living history," I realized that the late 1790's were a fascinating time and decided to set a mystery series in that period. My job as a lawyer and diplomat at the US Department of State left little time for working on it, however, until I retired. Then "Patriots & Poisons,"a 1797 mystery in which John Adams is accused of trying to murder Thomas Jefferson, really began to take shape. The next in the series, "Secrets Worth Killing For," should be available in November of 2016.

"Amanda's Secret" and "Amelia's Dream" (published under my nickname Jami Borek) developed thanks to two handmade "18th century" style dolls. I got them to entertain children at various events and demonstrate 18th century clothing. I named one Amanda after a friend's daughter and the other Amelia, and then started to make up a story for them - these two books (and at least one more to come) were the result.

Reviews

[Gregj · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked how the author brought late 18th century U.S. history (Philadelphia, the newly minted Constitution, and politics) to life. I thought the main character lacked depth, and the mystery could have been woven better. Still, the history, much that I didn't know, made it interesting.

[Joyce Cottrell · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting "what if?" about the beginning of this country. It was an assigned book from my grandson's teacher, and I enjoyed it more than he did.

[Maryjane Nordgren]

interesting setting, but the relationship dropped at the end and while that is understandable, it left a hollow the way it was handled

[NVTony · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was so impressed with this book I set it aside to read again before writing a review. Writing style is outstanding, story is creative in approach to historical facts woven into fictional mystery. Would give 10 stars if available. History buffs will be excited by authors creativity and obvious writing skills. Mystery lovers should get a copy for their permanent collection. Won as good reads participant which had absolutely no impact on my review. Purchased for friends since reading.

[Yvonne Flint · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting companion on our historical vacation in Virginia, with a side of murder mystery.