An Ingenious Excuse

Overview

On the morning of September 2, 1798, just after first light, the back door to Carpenters' Hall is discovered ajar. Gold, silver, banknotes-the vast riches of a well-guarded bank vault-all of it gone without a trace. Frantic bankers secure an arrest warrant for the clever blacksmith who worked on the vault doors, a young Scot who crossed the ocean like thousands of others on America's promise of liberty and opportunity. Bankers know him to be innocent but lock him up anyway, then leave him to die in their fever-ridden jail. An incredible true tale of history about the first big bank robbery in America. It's a David and Goliath story about a recent immigrant who must uncover the truth about a robbery he didn't commit. "Is Mr. Lyon got clear, or is he condemned?"

Reviews

"A historical account of a blacksmith who tests the limits of America's justice system. It is "a rare and extraordinary glimpse into early patrician America." It's the story of an immigrant who "discovers the truths written in the Declaration of Independence to be anything but self-evident." A good portion of the narrative relies on dialogue, and the authors make it clear that it's pulled from real exchanges gathered via trial transcripts, journals, and other primary sources. A well-researched and highly readable historical account." —Kirkus Review 

Author Biography

John and Nancy live in the small town of Lake Havasu City, located in northwestern Arizona. John is a practicing orthopaedic surgeon specializing in spinal surgery. When he is not caring for his patients, John's interests include a lifetime love of flying. If not flying, John can be found reading or fly fishing on a quiet creek in Colorado. Nancy loves outdoor activities of all kinds. After completion of a J.D./Ph.D. and admission to the Colorado Bar, Nancy worked first in special education law at the state level and later in higher education at the University of Colorado.