No Certain Rest

This was a selection of a book discussion group I belong to, and from its reviews and ratings, I didn't think I would like it. But I actually enjoyed the read. True, Lehrer isn't a very good novelist, if this is a typical novel of his, but I enjoyed the history, the mystery, the CSI parts, and that it was about both the Civil War and how history resonates down the decades and centuries. The others in our book group liked it less than I did, and they liked neither the protagonist, National Park Service archeologist Don Spaniel, nor the ending. But I found the account of the work of government historians and archeologists very interesting.

Entertaining read--it's modern mystery with historical ties to the battle of Antietam. The family connections are a poorly devised plot tool (towards the end of the story), but it's still fun for a quick, mindless beach or traveling read.

Now I know why Jim Lehrer hasn't quit his day job! Alas, I just wasn't impressed with this book, although I really wanted to be. The premise is that the skeleton of a Civil War soldier is found buried on previously unexplored land bordering the battlefield at Antietam. The National Park Service is called in, and the hunt begins to find the identity of the remains, and why they were buried in such a peculiar way (facedown) and so far from the rest of the carnage. Our sleuth is an archaeologist from NPS who becomes determined to find out the truth of what happens. A perfectly good premise, yes. Unfortunately, explanation of what happened at Antietam, or why a character cares so much about it was strained, maudlin, and heavy-handed. The show more inclusion of a "love interest" for the main character is completely forced, not to mention unnecessary, as are the various mentions of a debate over reenactment. Overall, a disappointing book, although true Civil War buffs will probably enjoy it. show less

I was finally curious to read one of his novels after watching The NewsHour for many years. I think this was a good place for me to start---he DOES have quite an imagination but he puts it in a context that he can thoroughly research. It was a good "story"---quite readable and with a good mystery quality. I need to try some more Jim Lehrer novels.

This is an intriguing mystery story for someone interested in the Civil War. A body is found near Burnside Bridge in the present day, but a note found in the archives leads modern investigators on a historical adventure. The story flashes back to 1862 and events that took place during the battle of Antietam...but with modern day repercussions for the descendents. I found the story to be predictable, but there was just enough suspense to make me continue reading it to see if I was correct. It would be a good raining day read, but after you've read that one book you've been dying to get to.

I liked this. It was short and could have been more fleshed out but interesting none the less. This was the first of Lehrer's I've read and I did enjoy it. It begins with the find of a Civil war grave complete with a full , unusual in itself. The author takes you through the process of finding out why and how this particular officer ending up buried there. It's also a journey by one particular Park Service archeologist who becomes almost obsessed in finding out all the why's and wherefores and whether the truth he finds be released or hidden again.

Antietam was a bad battle during the Civil War. Set in modern times, body has been undug, but it is in a makeshift grave. Dr. Spaniel uncovers what really happened. Disturbing ending.