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.

Starred review from April 1, 2008
This series opener from the author of the Buryin' Barry mysteries introduces Sam Blackman, an Iraq War veteran recuperating from the loss of his leg in a North Carolina hospital. A young female visitor piques his interest when she asks for his help, but she is murdered before she can tell him more. Soon, Blackman is drawn deep into an 88-year-old murder case connected to her death. Known for his effortless storytelling, de Castrique once again delivers a compelling tale blending fact and fiction, this one involving racial tension, the aftermath of war, and the authentication of manuscripts. For all mystery collections. [See Prepub Mystery, "LJ" 2/1/08.]

Copyright 2008 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 1, 2008
While recuperating in an Asheville, North Carolina, veterans hospital after losing a leg in Iraq, Sam Blackman meets fellow vet Tikima Robertson, who stops by his hospital room with a possible job offer and a promise to visit again. When Tikima doesnt return, Sam tries to contact her and finds she has been murdered. After Tikimas sister, Nakayla, shows Sam a journal that Tikima wanted him to see, he becomes involved not only in finding Tikimas murderer but also in solving the mystery of the 90-year-old journal itself, which refers to another murder, of the Robertsons great-great grandfather. Gold, emeralds, the Vanderbilts Biltmore estate, and author Thomas Wolfe play roles in the generations-old case, which Sam and Nakayla unravel in a suspenseful, compelling narrative. A nice mix of past and present and a sympathetic sleuthing duo will keep readers engaged. De Castrique is the author of the Barry Clayton Undertaking series, also set in North Carolina.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2008, American Library Association.)