The Killing of Reverend Kay: A Hidden Murder in Colonial Virginia

I learned about the 13 colonies in school and I remember wanting to learn more than what was in the dry curriculum that was offered in the school book we were given at the time. We were given dates and facts but little was offered in the sense of who these people actually were. I wanted to know more about the people living in this historic time period which is so relevant to both Americans and Canadians. I realize that Virginia was not part of the original 13 colonies and came a little bit later but it is still the time period I was so interested in. "The Killing of Reverend Kay: A Hidden Murder in Colonial Virginia" by Cynthia Mattson offers not only a glimpse into the daily lives of individual people in the colonial period but also uncovers a terrible crime that was hidden for hundreds of years..... until now. In early October 1755, Reverend Kay was murdered and three of his slaves were accused of the crime. Mysteriously, there was no trial held and it appears that the crime was deliberately hushed up for various reasons both political and personal. There is very little detail on the crime itself and it was only a small record entry that indicated that Reverend Kay had even existed and that his life had ended so tragically. Much of the book describes Reverend Kay's early years and his legal fight with Col. Landon Carter, and his heartbreak with his own wife. I know how dry and matter of fact historical documents can be and it is both amazing and gratifying how Cynthia Mattson manages to not only understand what was going on but also her ability to read between the lines to bring to life these individuals who lived so very long ago. She also is able to set the historical background and suggest possible motives as to why the murder was hidden and who might have been involved in keeping it quiet. There is also so much information on the political end as well including the ongoing fight with the French and Indian war for dominance. The book also talks in depth about the role of religion in the New World and the debate about the separation of Church and State. There seems to be so little known of this time period itself and it was refreshing to read not only a historical book but also a mysterious and tragic murder. Personally, I feel like people should be remembered especially people who had the worst injustice of their lives being taken way too soon. After all this time, it is impossible to know whether the true culprits were punished or not. I have my suspicions but I never give spoilers away. I would really recommend this book to anyone who likes History, true crime, or even better both of them mixed together. This is one book I do plan to read again. I received a copy from Dog Ear Publishing through Netgalley for free in exchange for an honest review.

Five out of Five Stars!