The Natural SelectionIn The Natural Selection, the second in a series of Sarah Kaufman historical mysteries, Ona Russell deftly weaves a fictitious tale of murder and intrigue with the factual Scopes 'Monkey' trial, called the Trial of the Century. Set authentically in Tennessee in the 1920's, the plot follows Sarah, a believable and appealing protagonist, as she interacts seamlessly with the story's characters as well as real participants from the trial, notably celebrated journalist H.L. Mencken.
Russell crafts a vinegar divide between science and fundamentalism, reason and racism, change and convention, and intelligence and insecurity. The fast flowing, elegant writing will hook readers; but the book is all the more fascinating, if not distressing, because it strikes close to today's social and political climate. The controversy and relevance of The Natural Selection will draw them into the time period and keep them turning pages until the end.
www.onarussell.com
- Christina Weaver
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