Reader Be Thou Also Ready [Paperback]

Robert James (Author), Robert. James (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 21, 2000

A historical novel that recreates the compelling story of a Yorkshire settler's 1832 shocking murder and the trial of the accused in Sackville, New Brunswick, Canada.

Editorial Reviews

From the Author

I am the Author and I want to comment on my book

I am the great great great grandson of the murdered William Fawcett. This murder was never talked about in our house. It was only through tracing my family roots that I came across references to this crime. Upon contacting Fawcett family historians I discovered the following gravestone inscription in the Old Methodist Burying Ground in Middle Sackville, New Brunswick:

William Fawcett (1770-1832)

He was a plain industrious hospitable and deeply pious man whose uniformly Christian conduct gained him the respect of all who became acquainted with him. While reading one of Mr. Wesley's sermons, his immortal soul was instantly precipitated into the eternal world of his final rest by some monster of iniquity that will be discovered at the last day who intentionally shot him through the kitchen window the evening of June 19, 1832 in the 63rd year of his age. Reader be thou also ready.

Augmented with two excellent newspaper articles, one written after the murder and one written after the trial of the accused, I began to piece the story together. Combined judiciously with family lore, it became obvious to me who committed the murder and why. The surprising trial verdict began to make sense.

This work of historical fiction should appeal to anyone who loves a true mystery story set in an accurate portrayal of early eighteenth century life.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Broken Jaw Pr (July 21, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 189664726X
• ISBN-13: 978-1896647265
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.3 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,875,705 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars You'll love to hate the villain in this book!, October 29, 2000

By 

Lynn Black (Ontario Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Reader Be Thou Also Ready (Paperback)

Based on true Canadian history, Robert James, the author, brings every page alive with his attention to 19th-century life in New Brunswick. This murder mystery with a surprise ending kept me turning the pages. It's an easy and enjoyable read. An added bonus is the actual 1832 newspaper account, tombstone inscription and afterword (which gives a fascinating description of how the book came together). I highly recommend it!

4.0 out of 5 stars A Sharp Pen, September 3, 2000

By 

Diane Campbell (Mississauga, Ontario, Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Reader Be Thou Also Ready (Paperback)

Robert James book, Reader Be thou Also Ready is a story of romance, intrigue and mystery. Written with a personal perspective that permeates the story, it is resplendent with details of life in Sackville, New Brunswick in the early 1800's. Details of life on a farm in this time period are historically accurate and detailed. Purposefully written to entertain the reader, it also brings a realization of day to day ventures with a true understanding of the simple people with characters that come to life. He does not underestimate the comprehension of simple folks' understanding of complex issues. William Fawcett was a man of integrity, compassion and love for his family. He was shot one evening sitting by the fire reading his Bible during is daily devotions. Who could have done this most cowardly deed? It is a story that carries itself with the interest generated by the tale and the storytelling. The reader identifies with the characters in a way that brings tears and smiles. A sharp author's pen is more interesting than a dull one and this author has hit the mark with his poignant tale.