"A Profound Exploration of Injustice and Resilience"

This was far from an easy read, as no narrative addressing themes of inhumanity, inequality, and the degradation of individuals can ever be. The journey through the pages was a challenging one, but the glimmer of hope that emerged as I delved deeper into the story proved to be a balm for my disheartened mind.

Gideon Stoltz, our protagonist, assumes the role of Sheriff in a town where he is regarded as an outsider due to his Pennsylvania Dutch ancestry, considered a drawback by the community. While the county is officially free from slavery, it serves as a conduit for slaves seeking escape to more liberated territories. Despite the black community's status as free individuals, they live in constant fear, leading to a sense of resentment that erodes neighborly relations.

The narrative unfolds when an anti-abolition supporter, Potter, is discovered murdered, prompting Gideon to launch an investigation that exposes a series of missing free black citizens, seemingly kidnapped. As the investigation into Potter's murder runs in parallel with the search for the missing individuals, it unearths unsettling secrets that disturb many in the community who would rather not have their past actions questioned. Gideon's pursuit of justice places his own life in jeopardy, but he remains unwavering in his commitment to ensure justice for all, regardless of their race.

This story, though condensed into a pocket-sized format, offers a powerful and moving exploration of the harrowing experiences of black enslavement in America. It is a narrative that leaves a lasting impact, shedding light on the depths of injustice and the resilience of the human spirit.

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read this ARC. This is not my usual cup of tea and I normally struggle through historical fiction. This book has been the exception. What a story. A lot of the story is tough to read but it is our unfortunate history. The crime and mystery were very well done. The atmosphere and story were so well drawn. I will be looking forward to more from this author

This was not an easy read. No book dealing with inhumanity, or inequality, or
degrading treatment of another being would be easy to read. i had a hard time to
keep going but I hoped and did receive brighter, better news as I read on and this
was good for my mind, which was quite disheartened through most of the story.

Gideon Stoltz is the Sheriff. He is not from the town, considered an outsider
being of Pensylvvanian Dutch ancestry, supposedly a minus point in this community.
The county is free frim slavery but is being used by many as a conduit for slaves
to escape elsewhere. The black community in this town are close knit and free, but
live in permanent fear and are thus resentful. Does not make for good neighbourliness.

When an anti abolition supporter Potter is found murdered, Gideon starts investigations
which also unearth a series of missing free black folk who seem to be kidnapped.
That investigation runs alongside the investigation into Potters murder and ruffles
many feathers in the community who do not want questions asked. It endangers Gideon's own
life but he is determined to see justice down, whether to a white or black man.

Very good reading encapsulated into a pocket sized version of black enslavement in
America.

First read of this author. Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book. I enjoyed the story of Pennsylvania sheriff during a time of slaves making their way to freedom. I enjoyed the mystery of the crime and the solving of the crime.

Gideon Stoltz is a sheriff of the small northern town during the height of pre-civil war tensions. He is investigating the murder of a man who was brutally ran over by a wagon and then beaten to death with a rock. The same man may have been connected to the underground railroad and might have known what happened in the disappearances of several black people in the town.

There are a host of shady characters that Gideon must deal without to get to the truth. The book brings to light how many towns were split over the topic of slavery and just some of the dangers that black people faced during this time. I was especially moved by the ads for rewards for runaway slaves that was at the first of each chapter. These were actually ads that ran in papers at the time. How any could have read those and not been sickened by the abuse is beyond me.

Gideon and his wife True are characters that I would revisit. True was definitely a woman before her time. Gideon though not depicted as a strong physical man, showed he had the moral strength to be a character you'd want to read more about.

This was a very different book than I usually read, it was slower paced but it kept the suspense going at a good pace and I was completely invested in learning what was happening and who was behind it all. I did not realize this was the third book in a series and not read any of the others but didn't feel that I had missed anything by not doing so. Overall a good read and I'd recommend it!

A murder mystery based in the 1830's. The author does a remarkable job at not only telling a story, but, also getting your to feel you are there. To "feel" the details, their turmoil and emotions of the characters. I can't wait to read the other books in the series.

When I started this book I wasn’t sure how it would go since I haven’t read books one and two, as this is book three. Thankfully, Charles Fergus wrote Lay This Body Down in a way that feels like reading a stand along book. He provided plenty of background information on each character and his description of the area of Pennsylvania that this is set was excellently described. Fergus’s ability to transport you back to the 1800’s using words alone shows his talent as a writer. I noticed I felt more tense when reading this book, not because I didn’t want to read it or didn’t enjoy it but because I could feel the heightened fear of living during that time while so much hate was being spread.