Apr 23, 2018Jaida Grace rated it It was amazing
“Need a compelling read this spring/summer? Of course you do! Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of Dean Ungers, A Garden of Thieves. Dean is a wonderfully gifted writer and story teller. Settle down in a quiet spot with a warm beverage and prepare to be enthralled! A memorable mystery novel.”
Apr 23, 2018Margaret rated it It was amazing
“A creative masterpiece, visually and metaphorically stimulating!”
This BC author has gone beyond just telling a murder mystery story set in BC; with his eloquent writing skills, he took me on a visual journey as well. Indeed, I was transported to another time, another place. A Garden Of Thieves, is a powerful story that takes place in the mid 1800’s. This historical novel, masterfully brings into focus the history of the Indigenous Peoples and the horrific injustices they suffered. Dean’s writing is brilliant; he has successfully woven together a tale of intrigue and mystery with Colonial British History. I appreciate the artistic merits of this beautifully illustrated book; his attention to detail and colour is remarkable! I look forward to reading his next book!”
Margaret Kobzey (less)
Apr 23, 2018Barry Marcoux rated it It was amazing
“Interesting and unusual. The book begins with commentary about the authors’ research and findings in the Government archives. It then meanders into his inspiration for weaving the tale – by channeling the soul of his dearly departed grandmother. Once begun, the tale itself is well paced with a strong female lead. It also reads like a screenplay with vivid descriptions of events and locations easily visualized as it happens in our backyard. Haven’t finished it yet… another day or so to go but wanted to post this comment to entice those on the fence to get over to the Shaker Mill or Scarlett’s coffee shop and grab their copy while they can as the first printing is close to sold out with a 2nd printing in the works. In doing so, you will be supporting a local author tell an important story about our colonial past. It wasn’t always pretty.” (less)
AMAZON REVIEWS
“Dean Unger’s fantastic new book, A Garden of Thieves – A Story of Colonial British Columbia, is an epic historical fiction about one of the largest land scandals in Canadian history. Exploring the factual circumstances starting in 1863 behind the Texada Island land scandal, a Supreme Court trial, and the smothering of BC’s First Nations culture; the author beautifully transports us back in time, scouring 20 years of research fused with Unger’s deep connection to the land in which these crimes unfolded. After a corpse washes up on the shores of Vananda – our heroine, Canada’s first female journalist (based on his grandmother who grew up on Texada), sets out to cover the story in the local newspaper and ignites a scandal in a pioneer town. The story dives deep in to the murder, a manhunt, and the systematic stripping away of First Nations land by a colonial administration, merging the brutal reality of our shared history with Unger’s potent storytelling. His personal approach to writing scales a giant provincial controversy using in-depth, intimate characters to flesh out complicated details. And it is only Volume One! A Garden of Thieves explores an ugly part of British Columbia’s past and the plight of First Nations people across the country; a struggle we are still trying to reconcile with today – a must-read for fans of historical fiction, or for anyone curious (and concerned) about Canada’s past.” Artist & Curator, Shane Bodie – Hi Love Podcast
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Ian M.
“A well-researched mystery novel about a fascinating and horrifying era in British Columbia history.”
Raymond K, Goodreads
“I enjoyed this book very much. It kept me on the edge of my seat. I found the sad history this book is bringing to light, shocking. A Story that needs to be told.”
Brad Krauza, Publisher, Gonzo Magazine,
“We’re proud of what you’ve done here, Dean. Love It!!!
I mentioned your book to fiend in Calgary. He googled your site to learn more and was impressed. Just thought you might like to know that you have leapt over the Rockies.
Barb Wells
Laura4.0 out of 5 stars Great fast paced read. Reviewed in Canada on February 27, 2019. “Great mystery novel steeped in coastal British Columbia history and brought to life with dynamic characters. Eve Walker, a rookie first female journalist, discovers a dead body on the shores of Texada Island, BC in 1889 and she won’t rest until she finds the killer. Traveling along with Eve on this curious journey involving First Nations, Pioneers, RCMP Officers, Politicians, Miners, and Activists was so interesting. The reader learns far more than merely an answer to the question “who did it?”. Looking forward to the next volume! Dean Unger left me wanting to read more from this epic work of historical fiction.”