“Readers . . . will be rewarded with believably deep characters in a moody, entertaining period piece.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Entertaining and engaging.” —Sacramento Book Review

“This posthumously published murder mystery showcases Platt's ability to mix melodrama with tongue-in-cheek humor.” —Booklist

“A foreword by the author's son recounts Platt's career and explains how this book was found among his papers and published posthumously.” —School Library Journal

“A terrific read, full of twists and turns, narrated by a bright and amiable sixteen-year-old. Young Oliver Puckle weaves together his own personal story with background information on Concord's impressive history and the lives of Concord notables. Among the substantial cast of historical characters is Henry David Thoreau, who, as he lends a hand in solving the crime, instructs Oliver in his philosophy of resistance to civil government as well as his philosophy of the ‘natural life.'” —Ronald A. Bosco, Distinguished Professor of English and American Literature, University of Albany, SUNY / Former president of the Thoreau Society / Editor of Nature's Panorama: Thoreau on the Seasons

“The only known historical novel by Kin Platt . . . this one has never been published before, and it is something of a find. Well paced and historically accurate.” —Infodad.com

“This historical novel is suspenseful and atmospheric.” —Kliatt

“This fine posthumous historical novel by the Edgar Award-winning author . . . is an interesting and informative mystery for a class assignment or pleasure read.” —VOYA