The Dutchman's Dilemma

Authentic flavors, sights and sounds of late-17th century New York permeate this fourth volume in the series chronicling the lives of the Tonneman family, beginning with The Dutchman. Pieter Tonneman, sheriff under the Dutch and English as well as businessman and postmaster for New-York, is ordered by his old enemy, First Councillor Nicasius De Sille, to find the miscreant who ritually killed the governor's prize horse, a gift from the king. Urgency is added to the investigation when other animals are slaughtered and whispers of witchcraft begin, aimed at the local Jewish community. Pieter fears for his wife, Racqel, a Jewish physician shunned by her people for marrying out of her faith. As Pieter uncovers evidence of religious mania and Racqel begins to resume contact with her people through her medical skills, an Indian linked to their past comes to their aid. The husband-and-wife team of Martin and Ann Meyers continues to vitalize a colorful and energetic urban colonial setting. (Aug.)