Cry of the Innocent

Faith Clarke #1

by Julie Bates

April 1774 – Within the colonial capital of Virginia, Faith Clarke awakes in the middle of the night to discover a man savagely murdered in her tavern. Phineas Bullard was no stranger. Faith’s late husband had borrowed heavily from the man and left Faith to struggle to pay the debt.

With unrest growing in the American Colonies, the British are eager for a quick resolution at the end of a noose, regardless of guilt. Under suspicion for the crime, she must use every resource at her disposal to prove her innocence and protect those she loves. Her allies are Olivia and Titus, slaves left to her by her late husband’s family, individuals she must find a way to free, even as she finds they also have motives for murder.

Faith seeks to uncover the dead man’s secrets even as they draw close to home. Determined to find the truth, she continues headlong into a web of secrets that hides Tories, Patriots, and killers, not stopping even though she fears no one will hear the cry of the innocent.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical Mystery, Mystery

258 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 8, 2021

Reviews

[Ruhani · Rating 4 out of 5]

Why do so many historical mysteries have widows as their female protagonists? Because there were so many widows in that era or because widows are forced to do things that non-widows cannot do and therefore make more believable protagonists? I am not complaining though. I loved this book as I did a number of others that featured widows (Tania Bayard's Christine De Pizan, Candance Robb's Kate Clifford and Margaret Kerr, Fiona Buckley's Ursula Blanchard, Andrea Penrose's Charlotte Sloane, Tasha Alexander's Lady Emily, Katharine Schellman's Lily Adler - I can go on). I love gritty female protagonists - though Faith Clarke seemed a bit more fragile than most of the others - fainting and feeling sick and getting attacked more often than not. Still, I liked her and the rest of the characters and most of all the setting close to America's war of independence with people questioning where their loyalties lie and the whole slavery angle. I definitely want to continue this series.

[Rudrashree Makwana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a historical fiction and the author takes us back to 1774 in the colonial capital of Virginia. Faith Clarke is an Inn keeper . She has a son and her backstory is poignant. The author has described the colonial setting so well. The author has splattered light upon slavery and how women were treated in colonial period.

A man was brutally murdered and his body was found in his room. It was shocking and terrifying to witness a dead body in the middle of the night in her inn. Faith informs the sherrif but the murder brings her and her Inn’s reputation at stake. Not only that but she also gets tangled in the web of deceit, horrifying secrets, constant attacks on her and mystery. The author’s writing is flawless and compelling. The story is touching and evocative. The book is filled with secrets, historic mystery, murder investigation and unsettling truth.

Thanks to the Publisher, Author and Partners in crime book tours

[Larry Ingle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this thoroughly engaging mystery. I was transported back to the 1770's in Virginia colony. It gave you a feeling of authenticity. I could tell that this author did her research----making it seem so genuine. The story flowed so smoothly. It really was a page-turner. This whodunnit was expertly crafted by having so many possibilities of the murderer. It kept you guessing how things might turn out. One could empathize with the protagonist in her quest to uncover the truth. The excitement kept building in discoveries in this regard. Her disgust of slavery and moral fiber were noteworthy. The ending was a complete surprise as the perpetrator was found out. Excellent.

[Tony Parsons · Rating 5 out of 5]

4/1774, Williamsburg VA. Clarke Tavern/Inn Waller St. Faith Clarke (Quaker, widow, proprietor) went to inspect a private room Phineas Bullard (wealthy store owner) had been killed.
Olivia York (Jamaican, wife/mother, cook) had to get breakfast going for the other travelers.
Titus York (Olivia’s husband, servant) had been chopping wood.
Andrew (9, Faith’s son, Bray school for Blacks) & Joshua York (12, Titus/Olivia’s son) were sent to get the Sheriff.
Sheriff Jones, Sheriff Johnson, & Graves had arrived at the crime scene.
Captain Grant (HM Army) had been called in as well.
Titus began checking for late sleepers & doing the daily chore of chamber pots that needed to be emptied/cleaned.
Dr. Martin Staunton (family physician, Faith’s BMF) came to exam the dead body.

The Sons of Liberty had left a banner in the room by the corpse.
The Red Coat officers & enlisted men were an everyday sight.
Captain Stephen Grant (HM 17th Lancers) came to speak with Faith.
An ad was placed in the Virginia Gazette offering a reward for Stella (15, Phineas’ slave) return.
Josiah Smythe (Phineas’ brother-in-law) took Faith to see Charlotte Bullard (widow/mother).
1-day a mob had gathered around Stella (Jamaican, Olivia’s sister).
She was now a prisoner in jail.
Will MacKay (printer indentured servant) had managed to save Faith from the angry crowd.
The private room where Phineas had stayed had been burned to the ground.
Mistress Eugenia Clarke Moore fancied Andrew & vice versa.
There was no evidence; or nothing to indicate who had killed Phineas Bullard.
Dr. Staunton says Mistress Bullard’s back is broken & there is nothing he can do.

Faith Clarke sensed War was coming.

I do not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing free books from publishers & authors. Therefore, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one.

An awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very professionally written Historical fictional murder mystery book. It was quite easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a huge description list of unique characters, settings, facts etc. to keep track of. This could also make another great 18th century murder mystery movie, or better yet a mini-TV. There is no doubt in my mind this is an extremely easy rating of 5 stars.

Thank you for the free author; Level Best Books/Historia; Goodreads; MakingConnections; Making Connections discussion group talk; Amazon Digital Services LLC. Kindle Mobi; ARR; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

The setting of this novel is its strength. The time is per-revolutionary and Bates gives readers a good immersion into the atmosphere of Williamsburg in the day. There was much tension between revolutionaries and the King's men. There was tension between slave owners and those who thought slavery should end. There was tension between the wealthy and those working hard to make a living.

In the midst of this tension is Faith, trying to find out who brutally murdered a man in her inn. She is a capable amateur sleuth. “She knew she had the intelligence of any man and more than many she had met.” (1152/3679). The mystery is well presented as the plot revolves around the social issues of the day. I did not figure out the villain until the end when all was revealed and the murder made sense.

I liked the mystery and found Faith to be an engaging sleuth. I really liked the informative setting. I trust Bates will continue writing about Faith and I'll be watching for a sequel.

I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Partners in Crime Book Tours. My comments are an independent and honest review.

[Maria · Rating 2 out of 5]

Julie Bates' debut novel 'Cry of the Innocent' is a historical mystery set in 1774 Williamsburg, Virginia. The novel's protagonist, Faith Clarke, finds herself searching for the murderer of a man, who was found gruesomely stabbed to death in her tavern's private room. Since the law, headed by a dashing British captain, appears to be satisfied in accusing the murdered man's hapless young slave, Faith feels compelled to investigate herself. Although she goes about this rather clumsily and gets herself into precarious situations in the process, this allows the author to delve into number of social and political issues of the time: the brewing discontent of the colonists with their British overlords, the extreme social discrepancies among the population and slavery.

Although the plot was in essence interesting, and political as well as social issues appeared authentic and researched, albeit shallowly, it was presented in a helter-skelter manner, its fluency often marred by irrelevant asides, tiresome repetitions of the protagonist's sentiments, and disregard of previous revelations. I also found the prose exasperatingly immature and grammatically faulty at times, which marred my reading pleasure significantly. Lastly, I could find very little convincing character development, which was weak at best, or severely exaggerated and cliché,  e.g. Eugenia.
Having complained about all these shortcomings, there is however one scene that sticks in my mind as totally lovely, and that concerns Olivia's and Titus' courting in the yard, where sentiments are beautifully expressed in well executed dialogue.

All in all, this book was not for me, although I can understand that readers would be attracted by this murder plot set in the last years of America's colonial times.

This novel came to me as an eARC, courtesy of NetGalley and the publishers.

[Lauralee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cry of the Innocent is a historical mystery that takes place before the events of the American revolutionary war. Faith Clarke is the owner of a tavern. When one of her customers is murdered in her tavern, Faith immediately becomes a suspect. In order to clear her name, she decides to investigate the case on her own. However, her hunt for the true killer leads her on a more dangerous journey than she could ever imagine. She also finds many treacherous secrets that if known could endanger her loved ones and herself. Could Faith find the killer and protect her loved ones?
Faith is a complex and likable protagonist. She is a widow with a young son. Faith runs a struggling tavern and works hard to keep her business afloat. However, Faith is also a slave owner. She is against slavery but her husband had brought his slaves with her upon her marriage. Faith cares for the slaves and regards them as her friends. Throughout the novel, she strives to find a way to free her slaves under the British law. Faith also must choose which side she must pledge her allegiance. Throughout the novel, she is conflicted about choosing either the English or the rebels. Therefore, Faith is conflicted with her beliefs and her thoughts on justice. I also like her sleuthing methods. Faith is very relentless in her pursuit to find the killer. She never gives up her hunt even when many urge her to stop investigating. Thus, I like her observational skills and her determination.

Overall, this novel is about beliefs, justice, and revolution. I found all the characters to be very realistic. While the middle dragged a little and was filled with unnecessary scenes that did not enhance the novel, I found the story to be very well-written. The novel seems to be meticulously researched and made the setting come alive. I found how the characters reacted to the events of the pre revolution to be very convincing and believable. The mystery itself was very fascinating and surprising. I also like how the author featured real famous historical figures in the novel. Therefore, Cry of the Innocent is a very satisfying debut to a promising mystery series! I can’t wait to read more about Faith Clarke’s adventures! I recommend this novel for fans of In the Midst of Shadows, Death of the Dance, and Cape Menace!
(Note: This book was given to me as part of a blog tour. All opinions expressed are my own.)

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Faith Clarke is an inn keeper in Williamsburg in 1774. Revolutionary mumblings are in the air, Boston is suffering from the aftermath of their Tea Party, but Faith has more immediate concerns. One of her regulars, Phineas Bullard, has been murdered, a regular to whom she owed a lot of money, a nasty man with a lot of enemies. The Sons of Liberty had left their calling card in the form of a banner by the corpse. The initial suspect, Stella, the slave of the victim, has run away and is captured by a lynch mob and only saved from said lynch mob by a gallant British Captain, Stephen Grant. The book starts well plunging the reader straight into the mystery as to who killed Phineas Bullard, a wealthy storekeeper involved in the shady practice of capturing and reselling freed slaves. Shortly after the murder there is a fire at the inn, burning the room of the murder. So we have a lot of action at the start. Faith is keen to solve the mystery as not only she but also her slaves Olivia and Titus could well be suspects and the murder is bad for business. But the pacing is odd for a murder mystery after a dramatic beginning, Faith makes almost no progress on solving the mystery until 80% into the book. There is a lot of historical detail and the Wiliamsburg of 1774 is brought to life. We also get a lot about how the owning of slaves grates with Faith's Quaker beliefs, the slaves were a present from her late husband's family and now with her husband gone, she would like to free them but lacks the means, and even freed Virginia is not a safe place for African Americans with those like Phineas Bullard and his ilk looking to make a quick profit from human cargo.

This was an enjoyable read, the character of Faith was well drawn but I'd have liked more development of secondary characters like the printer's indentured servant, Will MacKay and Faith's difficult mother-in-law Eugenia. The historical detail appears authentic, George Washington and Thomas Jefferson have cameo roles, when they meet up in the inn with Faith's father-in-law, Ezra. The book feels like the opening of a series with more to follow as the Revolution becomes more widespread.

Thank you NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the opportunity to read and give an honest review of this book.

[Jeannie Zelos · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cry of the Innocent: A Faith Clarke Mystery. Julie Bates

Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews

Genre: General Fiction (Adult), Historical Fiction, Mystery & Thrillers

I enjoyed this, the historical side really made me feel there with the characters, exactly what makes a book for me. I love the details of the day to day stuff, the food, the chores, the realities of life as a woman, as a slave, as a child. The divide between those who have wealth and those who don't. Looking at this from today's perspective its awful, but back then it was the norm and people just had to get on with it.
I liked how Olivia struggled with the conundrum of slave owing and being a Quaker. Its not as simple as just setting them free, I didn't realise she would need permission from the Governor to do so. And that she would need a good reason before it would be granted.

The story itself is almost basic, someone gets murdered in Olivia's property. She needs to find the culprit for a number of reasons, she and her slaves could be held responsible, especially as she is in substantial debt to the victim, the scandal could affect her tavern and thus income, which is already finely balanced. The slave girl, Stella, widely thought to be responsible is just a child and badly abused and she doesn't think Stella could have done it, but knows as she's a slave no-one else will really look to help her.
What starts off simply gets more complex and involves far more folk in what seemed like a simple murder, and Faith gets put into danger for her sleuthing. The more she looks into it the more reasons and motives others have for the murder, and the more danger she gets placed in. She can't just leave it though, she's become in danger either way.

Stars: 4. The story weaves together through into a fascinating snippet of history, a fictional tale that probably played out in similar ways over and over in real life ;-(

ARC supplied by Netgalley and publishers

[Bethany Swafford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Widowed Faith Clarke is awakened to horrible news: the man she is in debt to has been savagely murdered in her tavern. The British are eager to find any resolution and make an example, but Faith is more interested in the truth of the matter. She quickly learns that the truth is tangled up in a web of secrets and may be more dangerous than she is prepared for.

This was an interesting read. Faith was a compelling character. I respected her desire to remain neutral in the midst of a highly charged political atmosphere. She simply wanted to protect her family from danger. She took what steps she could to learn the truth, and that seemed realistic.

There were a few details that did take away from my full enjoyment. Her complaints about the clothes style of the time seemed out of place. I suppose it is possible that she could not afford properly fitted underclothes and that's why she complained about how tight the stays were, but it made me roll my eyes every time. Just a personal quibble.

I'm also not sure why the majority of the story stays with Faith, but there is a random section around the 40% mark where we go into the background of one of the slaves. It doesn't further the story, and it doesn’t give our main character any insight. It was very confusing.

Overall, it was a well written murder mystery. Ones interested in a mystery set before the American revolution will no doubt enjoy it.

I received an free copy from NetGalley and all opinions expressed are my own.

[Katreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

CRY OF THE INNOCENT by Julie Bates
The First Faith Clarke Mystery

In 1774 Virginia Widow Faith Clarke is doing her best to run her tavern, saddled as she is with her late husband’s debts. When the greedy Phineas Bullard demands use of her private room, Faith has no choice as most of her debts belong to him. Early the next morning her slave, Titus, finds the man butchered in the private room. Although a British captain is investigating, Faith believes it prudent to do what she can to find the killer, before her tavern’s reputation is maligned, or worse, she and her slaves are accused of murder.

I really enjoyed this trip back in time to Colonial America. Visceral descriptions made me feel the dusty roads and the heat from the tavern's kitchen, sweat running down my own face.

Faith is a wonderful protagonist, a young widow struggling to do her best in a changing world. Struggling, not only with the basics of providing for her family, but struggling with her own beliefs; raised a Quaker, but inheriting slaves, wanting to be neutral, but learning that may no longer be possible. All of the characters are eloquently drawn, with fascinating backstories, and hints of their mindsets, motives, and the minutia of their day to day lives. I admit to being captivated by Captain Grant, even knowing that it could be nothing but an ill fated attraction.

The first Faith Clarke Mystery raises harsh truths of the past while providing a clever and engaging mystery. I always appreciate when a villain is murdered, and though I never "met" the man while he was alive, the more I learned about him after death, the more satisfied I was. That knowledge also increased the number of motives and the pool of suspects.

CRY OF THE INNOCENT is a fascinating historical mystery, cleverly plotted with multidimensional characters. While entertaining, it also forces you to confront uncomfortable truths in our history and question what you would do if you lived at that time.

[Jan Matthews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great historical mystery series! Faith Clark owns a small tavern in Williamsburg, Virginia, in 1774. Revolution is brewing up north in Boston and whispers of independence from Britain are catching like wildfire. Faith is a widow, trying to keep body and soul together with the help of an enslaved couple, Titus and Olivia. In everything she does, Faith throws her whole self into it, though she is always running on fumes, it seems. While searching for whoever killed an unpleasant character in her private tavern room, then set it on fire, she is also trying to take care of those she considers family, especially Titus and Oliva. Even within the context of the times, she is uncomfortable with owning human beings and strives to free them. This is a great historical mystery with lots of twists and turns and at times some difficult themes about freedom, and who deserves to be free. Highly recommended to lovers of historical mysteries. I’m very much looking forward to reading the next installment in the series.
thank you book sirens for a copy of this book to read and review.

[John Mccormick · Rating 5 out of 5]

My thanks to the Author publisher's and Book Sirens for providing me with a Kindle version of this book to read and honestly review.
Set in 1774 in the colonial capital of Virginia at the time of a certain incident involving Tea in Boston. This is a thoroughly entertaining historical novel and surprising murder mystery, with plenty of twists. Our heroine a widow is brave clever fearless and feisty, who refuses to give up on her efforts to solve the murder carried out in her tavern, even when her life is threatened. A time where the disgust of slavery is sadly and shockingly part of everyday life, and the writer does not avoid or shirk it. Beautifully written with superb characters, so much so you feel totally involved, compelling from start to finish.
Warning don't read on an empty stomach there are numerous references to the fare being provided to the Inns patrons, which had my mouth watering.
Completely recommended.

[Pat Trattles · Rating 3 out of 5]

Faith Clarke is a widowed tavern owner deeply in debt and barely getting by in colonial Williamsburg. And to make matters worse the man she is in debt to is found brutally murdered in the tavern’s private meeting room. Initially she becomes a prime suspect, but attention soon turns to the murdered man’s slave, a girl of 16 who disappeared the same night as the killing. Faith, however, does not believe the girl did it and sets out to find the real killer, finding herself in danger many times for “putting her nose where it didn’t belong.” The story takes place just as the seeds of rebellion in the colonies are being sown, giving readers a look into everyday life during pre-revolutionary times along with a satisfying “whodunit” that will keep them guessing until the very end. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Wytzia Raspe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Faith is a young widow running a tavern in Williamsburg in 1774 (just after the Boston Tea Party, what is now seen as the start of the American Revolution).

One morning she discovers a dead body in her private meeting room. Suspicion lands on a young slave girl but then more bodies are found.

The author creates a very believable heroine and is extremely good at world building. Things like slavery, the recapture of freed slaves, addiction, having to marry rich it all plays a role. The solving of the crime is a complicated story.

There are two small faults: I believe in two cases the story has a small "deleted part" as someone is shot and another engaged without it being mentioned prior. Or I must have missed that.

I am certainly going to recommend this book on my blog and in my bookclub on Facebook.

[Loretta Miles Tollefson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cry of the Innocent has an interesting premise: A young woman raised Quaker who ends up owning two slaves and needing their help to make a living in Williamsburg, Virginia just before the Revolutionary War. I had a little trouble understanding why her mother-in-law is allowed by her family members to be so hateful, but the rest of the story felt very authentic. This appears to be the first in a series. The author does a great job of creating an interesting story with a strong ending while also leaving room for her characters to grow in future works. I look forward to reading them.

[Lorna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a historical fiction read based on an time when people were treated based on their financial situation. A young widow is left with a young son and a highly indebted tavern to run. She depends on her two slaves to help run her business but wants nothing more than to free them. She is a vocal woman who often offends others by asking too many questions, especially after a man she is indebted to is found dead in her tavern. I enjoyed this story.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bates has written an interesting mystery that nicely uses the location of Williamsburg, VI, right before the American Revolution. Her main character, widowed tavern keeper Faith Clarke, is both sympathetic and flawed as a person. Bates brings the colonial town to life with additional good characters and historical events/culture that demonstrate she did much research on the time period. Occasional plot inconsistencies distracted me but overall I really enjoyed reading this book.

[PAR · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a brilliant read! It pulled me in from beginning to end and held my attention. The world building is detailed and imaginative. This novel has strong, well developed characters and an interesting story line that keeps you turning the pages. I received this novel from BookSirens. I recommend this novel and would read more novels by this author. This is my true and honest review

[Sandy · Rating 2 out of 5]

There was an awful lot going on: tragic back stories, several current deaths, and a couple of unlikely rescues of our plucky heroine by a young man who just happens to be there. The historical background was fine with the plight of slaves and freed blacks highlighted. Not sure how the actual mystery was solved; don't think it was through any actions of our main character.

[Roslyn Stillman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderfully written and well research story on American history. At times I found it hard to read but I still very much enjoyed it. The mystery was well written keeping you guessing till the end. I received this as an ARC and freely give my review.

[Nataliesimmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was completely immersed in the world of colonial Virginia from the first page. Faith Clarke is a refreshingly strong female protagonist navigating a dangerous and unjust world. The blend of murder mystery and Revolutionary War tension made this a gripping read. Couldn’t put it down

[Pat Fayo Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic historical fiction / mystery debut novel! Once I started to read it, was hard to put down. The author, Julie Bates, shows that she did her research about Williamsburg when she wrote this book. Her depiction of life in the late 1700’s was so well described you could feel the heartbreak, the fear, and the hope of the slaves. Her rendition of the protagonist, Faith Clarke, who was forced to take over the job of running the saloon after the death of her husband was well thought out. The inequality, injustice, and the atmosphere of crime that prevailed then and how slaves suffered for it, was thoroughly shown. It makes the reader stop and really think about this unfairness with emotion. Bates tells this story very subtly but gets the point across. She gave a voice to the children and parents that had been torn apart. Horrors of slaves being beaten and auctioned off like cattle was truthfully written. This story just flows and keeps the reader well entertained. All in all, Julie’s Bates did very well with her debut novel and can not wait to read her next book. Many thanks to #partnersincrimevbt and the author, #juliebates72,
for an ARC copy of this historical fiction/ murder mystery. I have read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.

[Tracie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a chance to read and review this book. I love a good historical mystery but this one dragged way to much for me. The characters and the plot were interesting and the book was a fairly easy read.