Books
The Truth of All Things

by Kieran Shields
Crown, March 2012, $25.00

Beautifully written and sprinkled with historical data, Kieran Shields’ debut mystery set in New England in 1982 introduces readers to the unlikely duo of Deputy Marshal Archie Lean, an old-school police officer, and Perceval Grey, a criminologist versed in more up-to-date forensic techniques but distrusted by many because of his mixed Abenaki Indian ancestry. Their current case harks back to the Salem Witch Trials, as a serial killer eerily emulates elements of those crimes, albeit in a Portland, Maine, setting. Joining them is historian Helen Prescott.

Together they discover that the ritualistic murder of a prostitute, found slain in a pentagram position and pinned with a pitchfork, is a recreation of an ancient mode of witch killing. But this is just the underbelly of the complicated case: their probing reveals more killings and the secrets that connect them. The investigation delves not just into the pathology of the killings but to secret societies and asylums of 19th century New England. The link to the atrocities in Salem more than 200 year before unleashes a long-forgotten aspect of those trials that proves the key to the killings.

Shields, who is a native of Portland, offers meticulous research into the city’s history in this heart-pounding suspense that should delight any lover of period mysteries. A plus is that he introduces fascinating detectives, a pair that hopefully will return in future outings.

Sue Emmons

shields_truthofallthingsMeet Deputy Marshal Archie Lean in this beautifully written debut mystery set in New England in 1982.

Teri Duerr
2422

by Kieran Shields
Crown, March 2012, $25.00

Shields
March 2012
the-truth-of-all-things
25.00
Crown