Death of a Fox

A Fox tavern owner is found dead in rural Massachusetts in 1800, and Revolutionary War veteran Will Rees investigates the crime. Rees, a traveling weaver and amateur sleuth, takes on the case at the request of the victim's daughter. Local tensions simmer as Rees discovers the tavern keeper had deep connections to both Patriots and Loyalists during the war. The investigation leads him through the complexities of post-Revolutionary New England society, where old wartime allegiances still influence daily life and commerce. Multiple suspects emerge from different segments of the community - each with motives tied to events from twenty years prior. As Rees works to unravel conflicting accounts and hidden relationships, he must also navigate the region's uneasy transition between colonial ways and a new American identity. The novel explores themes of loyalty, justice, and the lingering wounds of war in a newly independent nation. Through its murder mystery framework, the story examines how communities reconcile with their divided past.

Readers praise Eleanor Kuhns' historical research and period details in Death of a Fox, particularly the portrayal of 18th century colonial New York and weaving practices. Multiple reviews note the authentic period dialogue and descriptions of frontier life. Reviews highlight: - Complex mystery plot - Character development of Will Rees - Integration of historical events with fiction Common criticisms: - Pacing drags in middle sections - Too many secondary characters to track - Some find the dialogue stiff Ratings: Goodreads: 4.05/5 (44 ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (31 reviews) Sample reader comments: "The details about weaving and textiles added depth without slowing the story." -Amazon reviewer "Characters feel real but the plot meanders." -Goodreads review "Perfect blend of history and mystery." -BookBrowse review Note: Limited review data available as this is a recent release.

The Broken Body by Anne Mette Hancock A detective investigates a murder in 1790s Philadelphia while uncovering layers of political intrigue and social hierarchies that threaten the new American republic.

The Anatomist's Wife by Anna Lee Huber A widow in 1830s Scotland uses her knowledge of anatomy and medicine to solve murders while navigating the constraints of her social position.

The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco A medieval monk investigates a series of deaths in an isolated monastery while wrestling with questions of faith, knowledge, and power.

The Redemption of Alexander Seaton by S.G. MacLean A disgraced Scottish schoolmaster in the 1620s becomes entangled in murder investigations that reveal the dark undercurrents of his small town.

The Stranger Diaries by Elly Griffiths An English teacher researching a Gothic author finds herself at the center of a murder mystery that mirrors the Victorian stories she studies.

🦊 "Death of a Fox" is part of the Will Rees mystery series, set in post-Revolutionary War America, featuring a traveling weaver who solves crimes. 🏺 The book delves into the fascinating world of early American pottery making, highlighting the technical skills and cultural significance of this craft in the late 18th century. 🎭 Author Eleanor Kuhns worked as a library director, using her research skills to create historically accurate details about daily life in 1790s New England. ⚔️ The novel explores tensions between American colonists and remaining British loyalists in the aftermath of the Revolutionary War, a period often overlooked in historical fiction. 🏠 The story takes place in Zennor, a small village in Cornwall, England, known for its rich history of folklore and mining traditions, which plays a crucial role in the mystery's plot.