A lost Civil War payroll from 1862 has haunted two generations of ancestors: one tormented by the sad story of the soldier who lost it, the other passionately trying to unearth the history of the man who found it. A red canoe offers a tantalizing clue to a treasure found but never discovered. Photojournalist, Derrick Nolen, accidentally enters into the obsession of competing treasure hunters and finds much more than a lost payroll. Shenandoah Life magazine has hired Derrick for a photo expose of the Shenandoah River. The project could finally launch his career to the elite echelon that he has only dreamed of since graduation from the Brooks Institute.
Out on the river, Derrick comes by an old red canoe adrift, sinking and marked with a mysterious symbol on its bow. His curiosity leads him to the MacGregor sisters and their nemesis, Ferris Johns. They become distractions drawing him into their search for an ancient mystery, haunting both families for over hundred-fifty years.
Finding the old craft could, arguably, be a stroke of good luck or bad for Derrick Nolen as it steers him into an uncertain romance, a dangerous search for treasure, an unfinished episode of Civil War history and complicates the future of his career.
“After starting and leaving several books lately I was happy to get involved with the story of The Red Canoe. It is very interesting to enjoy a story that takes place near our home in the Shenandoah Valley. I got to know the characters quickly and the story is more mystery than overblown suspense, though I was a bit anxious a few times. A visit to the Shenandoah River would really set the mood for this Civil War to present day story.”
– Reviewed in the United States on August 3, 2016
I loved this book! The story was well-written & kept me interested from page one. I especially enjoyed the local aspect to Front Royal with the references to actual places & landmarks. When I finished the last chapter I felt as though I actually knew the characters as real people from both the “past” and “current” storylines. I would highly recommend & may make this my Christmas book choice for my friends this year
– Reviewed in the United States on June 17, 2016
This was a delightful sweet romance couched in a cozy mystery. I loved it. There is room for a sequel and I hope the author writes it soon. I put Michael Durney on my favorite authors list. I highly recommend Red Canoe.
– Reviewed in the United States on March 2, 2017
Very interesting. I really liked the ending. I enjoyed the possible link of this story
to the Civil War. What I would classify this story as very entertaining and a reminder
of past history.
– Reviewed in the United States on May 17, 2016
Wow, just the Summer read I was looking for! As an avid amateur historian living in the historic Front Royal region this book was brought to my attention through friends recommendations. I metal detect for fun & have always been intrigued with tales of history & treasure hunts, whether real such as “Ship of Gold in the Deep Blue Sea” or “Treasure Island”. The Shenandoah Valley region is rich in history which Mr. Durney capitalized upon- this book did what no other had to date- it grabbed my attention at the author’s Introduction! I plan on reading it again & then will enjoy leaving out on the end table by the fireplace & wait for others to discover the hidden treasure that it is!
– Reviewed in the United States on June 1, 2016
The Red Canoe is a great read! especially with its presentation arousing imaginative stirrings upon the Shenandoah River, a place I have visited often including the surrounding landmarks that bind the reader to the book and to the magical thoughts of hunting treasure. I was captivated to solve the mystery from the first chapter as the author delights his audience with twists and turns that lead you on. The book offers two treasures: the first is in the plot to find what is beneath the surface, the second is the book itself. What a great find.
