By October 1809, Meriwether Lewis was a man in trouble. A national hero along with friend and co-captain William Clark after his return from the Pacific Expedition in 1806, he should have been well placed for future greatness. But beset by backbiting subordinates and the plotting of Gen. James Wilkinson, he descended into alcoholism, disease, and possibly madness.

Lewis set out in September to journey to Federal City (then the name of Washington, DC) and died mysteriously en route, about 50 miles from Memphis. Learning his friend was in trouble, Will Clark tried to help but came too late. Was Lewis murdered by Wilkinson's agents?

First-time novelist Hunter spins an imaginative tale of what might have happened during the last month of Lewis's life that is authentic in detail and shows both the flaws and the virtues of these legends of American history.

Only one thing bothered this reviewer: Hunter couldn't decide whether Lewis and Clark, supposedly two of the greatest friends in American history, were on a first-name basis. 

This quibble aside, the book is highly recommended for all historical fiction collections.[This first offering from Blind Rabbit Press coincides with the 200th anniversary of Louis and Clark's return to St. Louis. Ed.] Ken St. Andre, Phoenix P.L. Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.