... and so begins this award-winning historical fiction book for kids in the highly praised Leaders & Legacies series!

"A riveting read…”

-- Midwest Book Review

“…excellent history…recommended.”

-- Manitoba Library Association

"...an engaging and entertaining read...your characterization of Mr. Diefenbaker's family members...leapt from the pages..."

-- Rob Paul, Diefenbaker Canada Centre

“…an engaging young adult level novel…part of a Leaders and Legacies series which will place actual figures in Canadian history within fictional stories."

-- Yukon Books

“Roderick Benns does spin a yarn that will captivate…”

-- The Regina Leader-Post

“…John is a strong character in fiction, as in life, and the story brings readers closer to the harsh realities of the period and the strength of character of the man as seen in the boy.”

-- Dr. Andrea Deakin, (The Deakin Newsletter Review)

The Mystery of the Moonlight Murder: An Early Adventure of John Diefenbaker

Murder and mystery on the Canadian prairies!

August, 1908. One hundred years ago, under the light of a full moon, 12-year-old John Diefenbaker and his younger brother, Elmer, are nearby when their neighbour is shot to death in a field. The murder in small-town Saskatchewan ignites a desperate search for the killer by the Royal North West Mounted Police.

When a family friend of the Diefenbakers is arrested for the murder, a man from a Plains Cree band, John is certain they have the wrong person. With the help of the man’s 11-year-old daughter, Summer Storm, John and Elmer set out to prove his innocence.

But with only five days left before the murder trial, time is running out.

Meanwhile a charismatic Metis man named Andre Dumont, claiming to be related to the famous military commander Gabriel Dumont, is trying to stir up anger against the federal government. The last thing the police need is another full-scale rebellion on their hands.

From a smooth-talking Rawleigh’s salesman, to a testy general store owner, to mysterious strangers…all is not what it seems. See how these colourful characters not only challenged the Canadian west but also the sense of justice and fairness in a young boy who would one day lead the nation.

Buy the first collector’s book in the series now at Fireside Publishing House for your children, grandchildren or another young person you know!

Read the first three chapters free! Listen to the first chapter for free!