Blackman's Coffin

Starred review from April 7, 2008
At the start of this outstanding first in a new series from de Castrique (Final Undertaking
), Sam Blackman, a feisty army vet who lost part of a leg in the current Iraq War, is in his last days of rehab at a V.A. hospital in Asheville, N.C., when he meets Tikima Robertson, a black woman and fellow amputee who invites him to apply for a job at her security firm. Soon after, Sam phones the firm and learns Tikima is dead. Sam speaks at Tikima's funeral, during which her apartment is ransacked. Tikima's sister, Nakayla, later finds that the intruders overlooked a diary from 1919 bookmarked with Sam's name and number. The diary vividly brings to life the intrepid journey of a white funeral director and the Robertson sisters' great-great-grandfather, Elijah Robertson, that ends in Elijah's murder. Suspecting a connection between the long-ago murder and Tikima's untimely drowning, Sam decides to investigate, but he must overcome hurdles of body and mind as he pursues the truth. A wealth of historical detail, an exciting treasure hunt and credible characters distinguish this fresh, adventurous read.

William Dufris delivers de Castrique's historical novel about disabled veteran Sam Blackman's struggle to solve a ninety-year-old cold case, as well as the recent murder of a fellow amputee. Blackman is a likable hero, and the various characters supporting him are well drawn and intriguing. In a strong, deeply resonant voice Dufris nimbly shifts gears, allowing listeners to easily follow the two plot lines and realistic dialogue. Veteran narrator that he is, Dufris makes each quirky character instantly recognizable and crafts Blackman's voice with attentive detail. High adventure, including lost treasure, and historical detail about Asheville, North Carolina, and residents Thomas Wolfe and the Biltmore family, all combine to keep listeners engaged. S.C.A. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award (c) AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine