This is the 5th book in the Will Rees series. Will is a traveling weaver but he lives in Dugard Maine with his pregnant wife, Lydia, their adopted children and Will's son from his first marriage.

This book picks up just a few weeks after Will and Lydia return from Salem (book 4). After they have returned home and settled back into farm life, Will is accused of murder and Lydia is accused of being a witch. Will starts investigating and then a 2nd body turns up. Things start happening at the farm and Will and Lydia learn that things had been happening even while they were in Salem. Will fears for Lydia's safety and the safety of the children so he contemplates sending them to the Shaker community where Lydia once lived. Will is forced into hiding so he can investigate the murders and who is behind setting him up. ( )

Even better than the earlier books in this series, this one overflows with suspense. The author's use of red herrings is outstanding; I was astounded when the identify of the villain was disclosed. As always, the characters were realistic and engaging. Altogether a perfect read. ( )

This is the fifth book in this series. I have not read the first four. However, this clearly read as a stand-alone book. One of my favorite genres is mystery. Take that genre and add in a historical time period and I am all set. Will Rees is one of those people who tries to always do the right thing. This makes him a target of some in his town. His wife is pregnant and accused of witchcraft. Two people, he has argued with have ended up dead. Someone seems to be going to a lot of trouble to set him up. Who is it and why?

Reese is a weaver by trade. He has one son from his first marriage that ended with his wife's death. His second wife is pregnant. They have adopted five other children. Now that someone has tried to set his family up, Reese helps his family flee then returns to figure this mystery out.

The author has done a lot of research into this time period. It is quite evident in her writing. She has also created characters that are very believable. I loved the way this story carried me along from beginning to end. I definitely need to check out the first four books in this series. I have found a new author to love.

I have received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own. ( )

I received this as a review copy. I enjoy historical fiction and this fit the bill. It is #5 in the Will Rees series. Will is a weaver by trade but tends to get involved in solving mysteries. In this one, a man turns up dead and Will is suspect. Others things begin happening, another murder, an attack on Will's farm and his wife accused of witchcraft. Will sets out to discover who is behind the attack on he and his family. The story includes details on daily life in colonial America and peoples views on witchcraft. Will perseveres though all of the obstacles and finally discovers the culprit-- a surprise that I didn't see coming. All in all it was an excellent read and the historical facts gave insight intp the time frame. ( )

The Devil's Cold Dish is the fifth in Eleanor Kuhn's Will Rees series.

Unfortunately for me, I did not realize this book was part of an ongoing series when I picked it up. However, it did become blatantly obvious to me within the first couple chapters of this novel. I recognized references of the past that left me wanting to read the prior novels to obtain the backstory of the characters and their nuances.

This novel did fairly well to hold it's own plot without the prior knowledge of previously published works. Rees is dealing with some familial problems in regard to his sister, brother-in-law, son. When a man is found murdered that Rees had just that day brawled with, his life begins to spiral as rumors spread and even close friends seem skeptical of his innocence. He is asked to leave the investigation to others of his town, but when his wife is also accused of witchcraft, Rees must uncover the truth and regain his standing within his community. ( )