The Man Who Asked Too Many Questions

A contemporary mystery set in fictional Shocco County, North Carolina, in which a famous writer and former monk returns to his hometown to investigate the mysterious deaths of his parents. His father’s safe deposit box contains clues to a possible treasure hidden by Varina Davis, wife of Confederate President Jefferson Davis, during the Civil War. The protagonist, Julian Arthur Arrington, and a group of his friends, compete with a sinister and murderous figure, the Watcher, to solve the mystery, which centers around decoding a poem written by Julian’s great-grandfather in 1872. Two women engage in a humorous competition for Julian’s affection, and an eccentric genius, Pettway Williams the Third, emerges from his woodland isolation to provide invaluable aid in helping Julian stay alive and emerge triumphant. Another important ally is the young Native-American sheriff of the tri-racial county who fights prejudice from foes who consider him unqualified for his post. And the new county librarian, Julia Ann Blackshear Smith, great-granddaughter of a Georgia Confederate soldier who was a close colleague of Julian’s great-grandfather, brings her own desires and perspective to the quest.