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This first book in the series features wealthy widow and midwife Catherine Williams, aided by defeated Pequot sachem Massaquoit, who form an unlikely crime-solving team. In The Dumb Shall Sing, they discover the truth behind the sudden and violent death of a newborn. |
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An old farmer is found dead. Thomas, his young hired hand, is missing, perhaps abducted by Indians who are suspected of killing the old man. Nathaniel, son of Samuel Worthington, a prominent merchant, is distraught. He is engaged to the young man's sister, and has a strong friendship with the man. The magistrates of Newbury send an armed force, led by Nathaniel, in search of Thomas. Massaquoit, who is under suspicion for the murder, tracks Thomas and turns him over to the colonial militia. Meanwhile, Catherine Williams delivers Nathaniel's sister Felicity's baby, against the opposition of her father, who holds a grudge against Catherine. The birth goes well, but Felicity develops a dangerous abscess. Catherine is charged with improper midwifery procedures. Nathaniel is fatally wounded in his tent. Thomas is hurt less severely. Again, Indians are suspected. Nathaniel is buried, and Thomas is banished because Samuel Worthington holds him responsible for Nathaniel's death. Thomasine, Nathaniel's fiancee, arrives, claiming she had already married Nathaniel. She is attacked by men working for Worthington. Catherine treats her and discovers the clue to both murders. And what did the dead dog, missing fangs, have to do with all of this? |
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A ship arrives at Newbury harbor, and a sailor is found dead in the breakwater. A gull carries something off of the body, but then drops it. On board are brother and sister Roger and Jane Whitcomb, two Quakers who have been sent by their parents to live with Catherine. The community is immediately hostile toward them. They are severely whipped and threatened with being banished. Catherine's status protects them. Roger becomes romantically involved with the niece of Minister Davis. Jane forms a liasion with Ninigret, an angry, young Indian. Wequashcook seems to be brokering some kind of deal. The governor's nephew attempts to rape a young Indian girl and is later captured by her family. Everybody seems to want what the gull dropped. It is a letter that holds the key to something Roger and Jane want desperately to hide. Roger is murdered for the letter. Jane gains possession of it. The militia confronts the Indians holding the nephew. Massaquoit, in the confusion, secures the letter. A sailor is tried for the murder of the first seaman. But he did not kill Roger. A Quaker boy confides the truth to Catherine, who reveals it and the contents of the letter to reveal the startling truth of the relationship between Jane and Roger. |
