Potawatomi Indians in Illinois

Cora Tozi and Frannie Berkowitz love nothing more than to be immersed in historical research in their home town of Lemont, Illinois. In Pat Camalliere's The Mystery at Black Partridge Woods they are right in their element, When they meet Potawatomi Indian and Argonne Lab scientist Nikan Pokagon, their quest begins.

Nick has discovered a diary of his ancestor Wawetseka and he wants to write a book about her life. Her diary contains her efforts to clear her son of murder in the early 1800s. Torn between writing a nonfiction account of the Potawatomi in llinois in those days or turning the diary into mystery fiction, he seeks out Cora and Frannie to help with the writing and research.

The journal is difficult to read but the story follows Wawetseka's discovery of a mutilated dead white man. Before long the evidence builds up against her son Nagmo. First he is missing from a hunt for several days, second his tomahawk is found with blood on it and lastly in his

medicine pouch, a gold ring from the dead man is found. What caused Nagmo to commit this crime? Did the dead man attack Nagmo's wife? Wawetseka does not believe her son is guilty and embarks are a dangerous journey to clear his name.

The journey is arduous and life threatening but Wawetseka perseveres because she needs to prove her son is innocent so he will not be subject to the white man's punishment. Back in the present day Cora and her husband are attacked. Could there be a connection between their research with the diary and the attack? Clare, Frannie and Nick eventually unravel the connection in a dangerous confrontation.

Pat Camalliere knows her history and has thoroughly researched this story. For local history lovers The Mystery at Black Partridge Woods is right up their alley.

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