[MP3CD audiobook format in vinyl case.]
[Read by William Dufris]
Sam Blackman is an angry man. A Chief Warrant Officer in the Criminal Investigation Detachment of the U.S. military, he lost a leg in Iraq. His outspoken criticism of his medical treatment resulted in his transfer to the Veterans Hospital in Asheville, NC. Disillusioned with the military, grieving over the recent death of his parents, and at odds with his brother, Sams life is in shambles. Then an exmarine and fellow amputee named Tikima Robertson walks into his hospital room. Tikima hints she has an opportunity for Sam to use his investigative skills if he can stop feeling sorry for himself. But before she can return, Tikima is murdered, her body found floating in the French Broad River. Sam was the last person to see her alive. Tikimas sister, Nakayla, brings Sam a journal she finds in Tikimas apartment. A note stuck to the inside cover reads For Sam Blackman. The volume dates to 1919 and contains the entries of a twelveyearold boy who accompanies his father, a white funeral director, as they help a black man, Elijah Robertson, transport his deceased relative from Asheville to a small family plot in Georgia. The link to the present? Nearly 90 years ago, Elijahs body was also found in the French Broad River, a crime foreshadowing the death of his greatgreatgranddaughter Tikima Sam and Nakayla must delve into Ashevilles rich history, the legacy of the Vanderbilts at the Biltmore estate, and of author Tom Wolfe to uncover the murderous truth.
The first sentence caught me. It has been quite awhile since I have so thoroughly enjoyed a mystery. I’m not usually into books that alternate between 2 time periods but I was wishing the trip back via a journal to 1919 would have continued more through the book. The setting is in North Carolina & the main Character is Sam Blackman (title is a play on his name & an actual black man’s coffin). He is a disabled Iraq vet coming to terms with his disability & having a nearly 100 year old murder & a current murder mystery dumped…
Good book! Although the mystery is complicated and a little bit difficult to follow, it’s a great read. While the murder is present day, the mystery dates back some eighty years and involves not only the question of race, but the history of the Biltmore Estate and Asheville N.C, gold and emerald mining, and author Thomas Wolfe (I said it gets a little complicated). I liked the main character a lot. A military investigator who recently lost a leg. I would definitely read more Sam Blackman mysteries…
EXCELLANT read. Mystery, treasure, and quirkie characters, who could ask for more. I ran across this author on BOOK BUB and I think it was free so I decided to give him a read. It’s a great way to find new authors without wasting money. Especially important when you’re retired and live on a small budget.Â