Footprints in the Snow
From the award-winning author of Two Crows Sorrow comes another historical true crime story about how a community quickly jumps to conclusions to convict an outsider of a heinous murder.
On an early January morning in 1896, 15-year-old Annie Kempton is found murdered in her own home in Bear River, Nova Scotia. Her head is covered in bruises, and her throat is slashed. Within the next few hours, Peter Wheeler, a come-from-away of dubious origin, is blamed for the murder and subsequently arrested.
Footprints in the Snow delves into how a community focuses all their attention on this outsider, creating a theory of events that fits the accused. As one newspaper report wrote, “it would seem that no other quarters were to be explored.”
Told from primarily through the perspective of a journalist who is struggling with what is the truth, the novel follows the arrest, trial, and subsequent hanging of Peter Wheeler.
Using primary sources including newspaper articles, and trial transcripts, the true story of the murder of Annie Kempton is told using creative fiction to fill in the gaps of the narrative.
The themes covered in Footprints in the Snow are just as relevant today as they were in 1896. It looks at issues of race, prejudice, the role and responsibility of the media, and what it means to be an outsider.
Praise for Footprints in the Snow
“Two Crows Sorrow is a terrifying and fascinating rendering of a true story which should never be forgotten.”
“As I read the book, the details spoke to my imagination. I needed to visit the sites–to be in the spaces and filling my senses. I love it when words on a page come alive, compelling me to acknowledge our ancestors. Thank you, Laura, for telling our herstories..”
“ 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.”
“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
