Deep Creek, A Novel by Dana Hand

Review by Laurie Rae Rezanoff

I quite enjoyed this novel, set in 1887, based on actual events that took place in Idaho Territory, in America.

An old west murder mystery, this tale brings together foreign cultures, politics, prejudices, greed and the hunger for power. The ongoing struggle of Native American vs white vs Chinese cultures, class and caste, and human inner demons, echoing at times what we still see and hear today in so-called modern society.

The twists and turns in this novel made it unpredictable and intriguing. You will learn the role Chinese immigrants played in the gold mining history of western America, and the power plays for the lands relegated to expanding railroads that crossed continents.

What is most shocking to read are the lengths people took to massacre these Chinese miners, and then the cover up. Ancient beliefs are revealed that only add to the intrigue of this novel.

The personal struggles and inner growth of the three main characters was truly inspiring. They each lived their lives to the best of their ability. It took the formation of the unlikely threesome team, who eventually solved the mystery surrounding the massacre, that finally laid to rest their own inner demons, over time.

I highly recommend reading this novel. Dana Hand has successfully brought the fiction into the actual history without overloading the reader with facts over fantasy. A great winter weekend read!