Thread of Deceit

The year is 1835 in the pioneer village of Maitland, near Brockville, on the St. Lawrence River in Upper Canada. Lilly McNabb owns a millinery shop in the village, which is at the hub of community activities. She discovers a body in the woods and sets out to investigate what turns out to be a murder and a missing-person case.

Immigrants of diverse and often contentious backgrounds are settling in the area (Lilly and her family are from Scotland), and the population is expanding too quickly. Tensions are exacerbated, as by this time the best farmland is either taken or held by absentee landlords. Incoming groups are polarizing and causing political, religious, and social problems.

The author has a feel for time and place, bringing the raucous exuberance of the river towns vividly to life. The bustle, commotion, and commerce are evoked, and also the rougher side of the colony (the dirt, drunkenness, and brawling), as well as the efforts of the more refined elements to impose some order and civilized behaviour. Excerpts from contemporary newspapers provide authenticity and help to verify facts.

This young-adult novel vitalizes the history that every Grade 8 student in Ontario studies by dramatizing it, providing context, and humanizing historical and fictional characters. The dry facts of history (pertaining to such things as the Family Compact, the Orange Lodge, Tories and Reformers, the Temperance League) spring to life.

Part murder mystery, part historical adventure, with a dash of romance thrown in, Thread of Deceit captures the flavour of the turbulent times in Upper Canada just prior to the Rebellion through the eyes of a fictional, but wholly believable, young participant.
Highly recommended.

This novel for young adults is an historical mystery story that would appeal to teenagers. Lilly McNabb is an exuberant young lady who is a milliner and who has a talent for solving mysteries. Young readers will admire her spunk and ingenuity. When she finds the murdered body of John Reed during one of her walks she becomes obsessed with finding the killer.

Colonial society in Upper Canada during 1835 serves as the backdrop for Lilly's exploits. The political parties, such as the Tories, the Reformers and the Orangemen are front and centre in this tale of murder and betrayal. Not only is the picture of the 1830s society depicted but the political upheavals are also vividly illustrated especially in the Leeds election in the fall of 1834. Students are provided with a history that comes alive and one that keeps their interest piqued with the mysterious death. As well as mystery Lilly encounters romantic problems that serve to confuse her and yet enable her to mature.

The novel is enhanced with a map of the Upper Canada district as well as a detailed map of the town of Maitland where the action occurs. In addition, the short section, "A Note Regarding Historical Events and People" provides detailed information about the genuine historical events in the novel. The quotations that begin each chapter are taken from the newspapers of the 1830s and assist in creating the climate of colonial times.

This novel, "a tale of crime and betrayal in Upper Canada" will interest those young readers who enjoy a good mystery and who like to by transported back in time.

This young adult mystery weaves together the political strife and ongoing prejudice that make up the fabric of Upper Canada in the early 1800s. During this troubling time, Lilly McNabb, 19, finds herself in the middle of a mystery that she refuses to leave unsolved. Despite warnings to stop meddling in other people's business, Lily sets out to solve the murder in her community.

Lilly McNabb lives a simple life as a hat maker with her father. Suddenly, this all changes when Lilly's algonquin friend, Jack, discovers the dead body of a young white man, John Reed. Lilly pretends she stumbled on the body while out walking to protect Jack from being falsely accused of the killing. She sets out to solve the mystery herself because she fears racial and political tensions may get in the way of a fair investigation. This story unfolds amidst the backdrop of political strife between the Reformists and the Orangemen. Lilly cannot understand why Stephen doesn't recognize the bullying tactics of his fellow Orangemen. Lilly is caught in her own struggling social circle as the women of the community meet to sew and gossip about the scandals in town. Lilly's livelihood is threatened when she uncovers more details about the dead man's past, and she is warned by one of the high society ladies to stop asking questions. Smuggling rings and another murder bring Lilly closer to solving the mystery, but not until she is trapped in an underground cellar and masterfully escapes does she unexpectedly step closer to the truth...

Lilly is a confident, self-sufficient young lady who lives in a restricted time for women. She does not conform to the norms of society despite the fact that everyone in the community continually tries to dissuade her wayward behaviour. Lilly is curious and questions the authority and investigative skills of Sheriff Sherwood. She is adventurous and maneuvers her way into the middle of the action...

Steeped in history from the female perspective, Thread of Deceit sews together an interesting tale of political struggle, millinery skills, murder, and double standards between white and aboriginal peoples and men and women. Young adult readers are provided with a clear account of life in Upper Canada during this time. Canadian history fans will enjoy the story about Loyalists, Reformers, and Orangemen as told from the perspective of an independent-minded young female.