James Edwin Kee

Murder at the Powder Magazine James Edwin Kee

In 1765, young Luck Key has just come of age and accepted a position of Junior Clerk to Williamsburg lawyer George Wythe, a legendary attorney and teacher of Thomas Jefferson. On his first day he stumbles upon a murder of a member of the House of Burgesses and is enlisted by Sheriff William Norvell to assist in the investigation. Colonial Virginia is in an uproar over the British Parliament's new taxes and lack of representation. Is the murder related to the politics of the House of Burgesses? Is it revenge for selling and splitting the family of African-American slaves? Why was the victim at the Powder Magazine at midnight?As young Mr. Key assists the Sheriff in his investigation he is confronted with the role of slavery in Virginia and critical questions of ethics and leadership as he grows to understand more about Colonial Virginia and himself. He observes the debate over the Stamp Act, the legendary speech of Patrick Henry and the conflicting views of members of the House of Burgesses. His fondness for the victim's daughter raises complications that he must resolve. This historical mystery remains true to the colonial period in Williamsburg, the Capital of Virginia. There are many possible suspects, but the motive of the murder is illusive. It is up to Key, Norvell and Wythe to unravel the various possibilities and uncover the murderer.