Murder in Deer Park

By: Gary Alan Ruse

Narrated by: Erik Baker

Join President Grover Cleveland and his young bride as their resort honeymoon is interrupted by murder and intrigue, forcing the appealing couple to become detectives and solve the crime. The year is 1886. Grover Cleveland, 22nd president of the United States, has taken a bride at age 49, the lovely 21-year-old Frances Folsom. Married in the White House itself, they have raced by carriage, meddlesome reporters trailing their every move to take a private train to the Victorian mountain resort in Deer Park, Maryland, where they hope to share a wonderful honeymoon. But, unbeknownst to them, there are dastardly schemes afoot, and the suspicious death of one of the reporters complicates things for the happy couple, forcing them to investigate the mystery with the help of the police and special agents guarding them.

Gary Alan Ruse, author of mysteries, science-fiction and techno-thrillers, has crafted a delightful period mystery tale listeners are sure to enjoy!

©2011 Gary Alan Ruse (P)2015 Gary Alan Ruse

Delightfully Imaginative Historical

When I began this audiobook I had little to no knowledge about Grover Cleveland, 22nd U.S. President. But this novella brought the man and his young wife, Frances, to life so eloquently, I was prompted to do a little research after listening.

The story commences at a crucial turning point for the President, when he married Frances Folsom in the White House. A unusual match, since Cleveland was 49 and his bride only 21, the wedding of course drew lots of media attention. We follow the newlyweds on an adventure to escape the press on their trip to their honeymoon destination, first by carriage, then by train.

But the press, of course, catches up, and then one of them ends up dead. The President and his wife join the police in helping solve the murder of the reporter.

Action-packed and beautifully written, the story comes to life so vividly I consumed it in one sitting. By the end I felt I'd met the President and his lovely wife. And the author was indeed blessed to have one of the best narrators I've ever listened to tell the story of Murder in Deer Park.

Highly recommend!

An inspiration to learn more about presidents

Where does Murder in Deer Park rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Very high

What did you like best about this story?

I liked the way Gary Ruse melded fiction and non fiction. It was true to the facts and events but Cleveland and Francis solve a murder. Certainly a different and memorable Honeymoon.

Which character – as performed by Erik Baker – was your favorite?

Actually I liked them all. His voice is amazing and he manages by magic I guess, to capture the era. He had such distinctive voices for every character. Strangely he sounds much older than he looks or is. It would be great to hear more books narrated by him.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

No, but I did like the sensitivity Ruse imbued Cleveland with. Cleveland was a well loved and popular president and known for his honesty and intelligence. Between the narrator and the author they brought out all the best of everyone.

Any additional comments?

I loved this book and highly recommend it. The historical facts are accurate and the murder mystery was intriguing. It inspired me to
read more about this great president and his May/December marriage. I only gave 4 stars for the story because it is only 3+ hours long. Other than that it was a 5 star story.