- Paperback: 310 pages
- Publisher: Wildside Press (August 2011)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 1434431002
- ISBN-13: 978-1434431004
- Product Dimensions: 22.9 x 15.2 x 1.8 cm
- Shipping Weight: 481 g
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Product Details |
Product Description
Book Description
Witches weren't burned in colonial Virginia. They were hanged. But in the twenty-first century no one should be hanged from the trees of historic Williamsburg. Not even batty conspiracy theorists, however much Jean Fairbairn's significant other, ex-Scottish cop Alasdair Cameron, might sometimes wish he could pass judgment. Especially when said dingbats may be involved in the theft of a Williamsburg-crafted replica of a sixteenth-century Witch Box, stolen from a Scottish castle for which Alasdair has been supervising security-even though the original Witch Box is safe in a Williamsburg museum.
The Charm Stone went missing from the original Witch Box three hundred years ago. Perhaps it was not a traditional healing stone at all but a cursing stone. Perhaps it was lost somewhere in the colony of Virginia. Perhaps someone will kill to find it.
Can Jean maintain her resolve to abandon the academic battlefield forever, or will she be tempted back into combat by an appealing former colleague, Matthew Frost? And what about Alasdair, who is supposedly retired from the rigors of law enforcement, but who is now confronted not only by a theft but two murder cases-and by Stephanie Venegas, the detective in charge?
Amid the falling leaves and autumn shadows, Jean and Alasdair must deal again with murder most grotesque, its roots deep in history and myth. With ghosts only they can see. With things going bump in the night of their own relationship.
It's All Hallows Eve in historic Williamsburg, Virginia....
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
4.7 out of 5 stars (3 customer reviews)
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Mysteries abound in Historic Williamsburg, May 24 2010
By Mary Miley Theobald - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: The Charm Stone: A Jean Fairbairn/Alasdair Cameron Mystery (Hardcover)
It's always fun reading a novel that's set in a place you know, and that explains part of the pleasure I had reading Lillian Stewart Carl's THE CHARM STONE (2009). The story is set in Williamsburg, Virginia, mostly in the restored Historic Area that I know well, as does Ms. Carl--not a single "gotcha!" in this book. But the appeal of THE CHARM STONE goes far beyond its quaint setting. It is the fourth in the series featuring American Jean Fairbairn and Scot Alasdair Cameron, two 40-something sleuths (one amateur, one professional) who share a sixth sense for the supernatural as well as a bed.As befits its historical setting, the mystery has its origins in the 16th century with a Witch Box, a carved chest that once had an embedded green stone. The stone went missing in the 18th century when a servant girl stole it and took it to America, believing in its healing powers. Fast forward to the present, when the original Witch Box resides in a Williamsburg museum, minus its stone, of course. But a replica of the box that had been carefully crafted by a Williamsburg cabinetmaker is stolen from its place in another historic house and the craftsman who made it turns up dead in what was once known as Duck Witch Pond. Why would anyone go to the trouble of stealing a replica?
Enter a couple of publicity-seeking conspiracy theorists whose research has turned up an old letter written by Lady Dunmore, the wife of Virginia's last royal governor. The Dunmore letter mentions the charm stone and stokes the couple's delusions about finding the fabled papers of Francis Bacon in the graveyard of Bruton Parish Church--a notion so ridiculous it's hard to believe that for the past several decades, there have, in fact, been various attempts to dig up the Williamsburg graveyard in search of this supposed treasure.
No witches were hanged in colonial Virginia but at least one was tried, and as Jean delves into the history of the charm stone, she finds that several accused witches are tied into the story. Her significant other, Alasdair, is kept busy helping local police investigate the connection between the missing Witch Box replica and the murdered craftsman, until another body turns up, hanging from a tree in the middle of town. Now everyone is asking, where is the letter from the governor's wife? And just why is it worth so many lives?
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars
Loved the Charm Stone, Feb 3 2010
By E. England - Published on Amazon.com
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: The Charm Stone: A Jean Fairbairn/Alasdair Cameron Mystery (Hardcover)
I became a fan of Lillian Stewart Carl after reading the first book in this series. I usually don't like contemporary mysteries, but I really enjoy Jean and Alisdair's relationship, as well as Ms. Carl's writing style. Her storyline and characters keep me engrossed. After reading her novels, I feel as though I've actually been to Scotland and/or Williamsburg. I would recommend her books to every mystery lover!
5.0 out of 5 stars
Exciting Mystery in Williamsburg, VA for Scots., Jan 17 2012
By L. Rigod "avid mystery reader" - Published on Amazon.com
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: The Charm Stone: A Jean Fairbairn/Alasdair Cameron Mystery (Hardcover)
Jean Fairbairn and her lover, Alasdair Cameron are sent to historic Williamsburg, VA for duel purposes. Jean is a journalist/ co-owner of 'Great Scot!" magazine and is there for an opening of a Scottish/American exhibit. Alasdair was only going to be on vacation but, at Blair Castle (a client of his Security company in Scotland/England,) there has been a theft of 'The Witch Box' which is a replica of the original installed in the museum holding the new exhibit. Alasdair and Jean are on the job to solve this theft.Before they can begin, mysteries, deaths, and liable suits are swirling about the museum. Is the box really from Lord Bothwell who was tried for witchcraft in the U.K., or is it Francis Bacon's and a treasure of literary wealth?
All Jean and Alasdair know for sure is that whatever the mystery be, people are killing to solve it.
Ms. Carl writes exquisite historical fiction and quickly draws you into the mystery. Ms. Carl adds a touch of the paranormal in having her sleuths share in "allergies" to the ghosts.
I truly love this series. It is now available as ebooks as well.
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