BOOK SYNOPSIS
Summer 2024: A tattered diary is unearthed at the Duffy’s Tavern and Motor Inn excavation site in Amherstburg, Ontario. Written by a midwife, Mary Scott, the 150 year old book reveals the murderer of Dr. James Samuels, killed overnight on a ship set to sail the following morning. A wood chest of valuable coins was also taken from the dead man’s cabin.
Despite a thorough investigation and numerous suspects, the case has gone stone cold, and become local folklore.
When the Diary of Death is unveiled at the Marsh Historical Collection office, there’s excitement to learn if any of the area’s family fortunes were built on a foundation of murder and theft. Regrettably, the townsfolk will have to wait a little longer when the diary and the Marsh Collection curator vanish!
Private Investigator Steve Cassidy and his girlfriend, Dawn, check into The Bondy House for a romantic weekend away, eager to enjoy the beautiful local sights and sounds. However, they soon find themselves trying to solve two related mysteries: the disappearance of the curious diary and its entrusted caretaker; and the 1874 death of the respected doctor!
Filled with historical and present-day Amherstburg references and locations, to discover the truth Steve and Dawn must weave together the strands of a community adept at burying its past!
READ FIRST TWO CHAPTERS HERE
PRESS RELEASE
READERS REVIEWS
~ Dennis Lenarduzzi
I read ‘The Diary of Death’ last week. It was a really fascinating follow up to ‘The Groom Wore Red.’ I enjoyed them both! It was very refreshing to read something that talked about places I have been to in Amherstburg, and now I am waiting for another sequel. Thanks very much, John!
~ Carol Davis
Take a good mystery set in a great town and add two dynamic sleuths – ‘The Diary of Death’ is the whole package!
~ Jennifer Laugher
Once again John Schlarbaum has combined the picturesque setting of Amherstburg and combined it into a thriller. On the heels of ‘The Groom Wore Red,’ Schlarbaum’s ‘The Diary of Death’ is a page-turner and makes readers wonder what Steve Cassidy will do if and when he returns to town. Readers should be proud of Schlarbaum’s ongoing ability to use local residents and hold a magnifying glass up to some of the sites and sounds of one of Ontario’s most historic communities.
~ Fred Grove
John has done a great job capturing Amherstburg’s atmosphere and adding intrigue.
~ Sarah Beaudoin-Van Grinsven
It was a fun read.
~ Robert McCondach
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