The Third Riel Conspiracy
About the Book
It is the spring of 1885 and the Northwest Rebellion has broken out. Amid the chaos of the Battle of Batoche, a grisly act leaves Reuben Wake dead. A Metis man is arrested for the crime, but he claims innocence. When Durrant Wallace, sergeant in the North West Mounted Police, begins his own investigation into the man’s possible motives, he learns there were many who wanted Wake dead. What Durrant uncovers is a series of covert conspiracies surrounding Metis leader and prophet Louis Riel. And, during the week-long intermission in Riel’s trial, he sets a trap to find Wake’s true killer.
The Third Riel Conspiracy is the second book in the Durrant Wallace Mysteries, a series of historical murder mysteries set during pivotal events in western Canada’s history.
Reviews
“A thoroughly researched history mystery with tension, fine storytelling, and a focus on some of the defining moments of Canada’s story, holding a mirror to the hardened reality that Canada’s political chicanery has deep roots into our national soul.” —The Hamilton Spectator
“A slick whodunit . . . It’s Legault’s excellent research that makes this novel work. Think Canadian history is dull? Think again.” —The Globe and Mail
“Legault is proving himself to be a writer with an ability to create increasingly complex story lines while at the same time taking readers deep into the history, politics and culture of the time, without sacrificing story.” —Rocky Mountain Outlook
“Stephen Legault has proven himself to be one of the most versatile writers currently working in Canadian crime fiction . . . [The Third Riel Conspiracy] offers sharp, uniquely West Coast perspective on some of the most important moments in early Canadian history.” —National Post
“It is not easy for an author to blend fictional characters into historical fact, but Legault manages it very well . . . He has created a believable man for his time, a passionate believer in justice who will go to great lengths to ensure it.” —Star Phoenix