Footprints in the Snow
Coming September 27, 2024
In 1896, in Bear River, Nova Scotia, someone brutally murdered young Annie Kempton. Suspicion quickly focused on Peter Wheeler, who reported finding the body.
Local opinion, amplified by newspaper headlines, moved more quickly than legal processes to pin the guilt on Peter.
But a Halifax reporter covering the murder and the ensuing trial began to have doubts. Some of the forensic evidence did not seem to line up with witness statements, and evidence like lines of footprints in heavy snow.
Did Peter Wheeler really do it? Or was he found ‘guilty by convenience’?
Also by
Laura Churchill Duke
Audio Book:
Two Crows Sorrow
Now Available!
Two Crows Sorrow is about the life of Theresa McAuley Robinson, a woman who lived on Nova Scotia’s North Mountain at the turn of the century. This is the true story of Theresa’s love and devotion to her children and her farmland, which ultimately led to her demise. In May 1904, Theresa was found murdered and her farm burnt to the ground. Her second husband William Robinson was accused of the murder. Two Crows Sorrow follows Theresa’s life to her death, then William’s court trial to its dramatic conclusion.
Rooted in Deception
From Laura Churchill Duke, award-winning author of Two Crows Sorrow, comes Rooted in Deception, another true-crime story in rural Nova Scotia.
A con man is on the move in the early 1900s, spinning stories, turning heads, and lifting whatever is not nailed down. He spins tale after tale into a web that entangles credulous Nova Scotians–until he takes one step too far. Secret identities, deception, and greed escalate to murder.
Love And Death On The North Mountain
Two Crows Sorrow is about the life of Theresa McAuley Robinson, a woman who lived on Nova Scotia’s North Mountain at the turn of the century. This is the true story of Theresa’s love and devotion to her children and her farmland, which ultimately led to her demise. In May 1904, Theresa was found murdered and her farm burnt to the ground. Her second husband William Robinson was accused of the murder. Two Crows Sorrow follows Theresa’s life to her death, then William’s court trial to its dramatic conclusion.
“Laura easily transported me to a different place and time, tugging all the way on all my senses and my heartstrings, with her use of history, colourful imagery and flowing dialogue.”
Lori Lewis
Petal and Crow Studio
“Laura easily transported me to a different place and time, tugging all the way on all my senses and my heartstrings, with her use of history, colourful imagery and flowing dialogue.”
Lori Lewis
Petal and Crow Studio
“For the first time in a long time I let myself get lost in a book. I’m typically easily distracted and jump from one thing to another, but yesterday I picked up this book from local author Laura Churchill Duke and didn’t want to put it down until I finished it. I could feel myself sweating in the hot Kentville courthouse during the summer of 1904. Get yourself this book, enjoy a terrific read, and support one of the hardest working local women I know.
Congrats Laura. I loved it!!!"
Lori Moore
“Laura easily transported me to a different place and time, tugging all the way on all my senses and my heartstrings, with her use of history, colourful imagery and flowing dialogue.”
Lori Lewis
Petal and Crow Studio
“I am on the edge of my seat. I feel like I can see everything up there the way it was.”
Candy O’Brien
Valley Ghost Walks
“A heartbreaking story reminding us that the “good ole days” weren’t always that good.”
Wendy Robicheau
Acadia University archivist
“Theresa McAuley Robinson’s memory was almost obliterated in a hundred years. Laura Churchill Duke can be thanked for helping to preserve the mystery around Theresa and her fate. From tiny, tucked-away Burlington, Kings County, N.S., Theresa represents many innocent women. Churchill Duke tells an exciting story that allows someone who might be termed an exemplary farmwife and mother to represent so many women then and now.”
Wendy Elliot
Journalist. Kings County Advertiser
“Two Crows Sorrow is a terrifying and fascinating rendering of a true story which should never be forgotten."
Christy Ann Conlin
Author. Watermark, The Memento and Heave
“This book... this story... you must read it. I devoured it! I couldn't put it down. I feel like I know the family. I wish I could have been at courthouse and to watch it. Great job Laura... I cant wait for your next!"
Kate Trevors
“I was eagerly awaiting the release of this book by local author Laura Churchill Duke and it did not disappoint!
I loved reading about the Valley in 1904; the struggles, the tight knit community life and the descriptions of the area.
When you close the cover of this book, Theresa's story will not be left there in the pages, she'll stay with you..."
Linda, Port Williams
Laura I just read your book- I loved it!! I couldn’t put it down!!
I felt you took me back in time and I could visualize myself as a bystander on the farms, coming up the tree- lined lanes and as one of the spectators at the trial.
The medical “stuff” was spot-on. The characters were very real. The history was fascinating to learn. And the “after- piece” was a real treat- I wasn’t expecting that- it finished the whole story so well.
Now- I am not a professional literary critic but I know what I like! I think you have great promise in the future if you choose to continue writing! ( I shall wait for your next book and will definitely recommend “Two Crows” to my Book Club!
Camille, Wolfville
About Laura
Laura is a freelance journalist for Saltwire Network for newspapers across Atlantic Canada. She is a communication instructor at Acadia University and can also be heard as the Kentville community contact on CBC Radio, Information Morning.