Black Duck

 In this historical fiction novel, a  boy named David goes after the impossible news story. Desperate to prove himself as a true reporter, he seeks to interview Mr. Rueben Hart about the times of prohibition and if he was involved. Hart refuses him, but finally concedes when David asks the key question He wants to know what happened with the boat the Black Duck?"

Long after it has happened, Hart recalls his story to David. It is not one of just alcohol prohibition (when the selling, creating, and consuming of alcohol was illegal in the United States in the late 1920s and early 1930s). It is also the story of Ruben and his friend Jeddy, who happen to find a dead mobster on the beach near their New England hometown. And of the Black Duck, a rum-running boat that has never been caught by the authorities, and its mysterious crew. This is a tale that will make you think about the strict line drawn between right and wrong, and what you truly believe.

While I am not one to classify myself as a historical fiction fan, the book Black Duck is still one of my favorites. It isn't drug down by facts; they are embedded naturally into the story. The action is intense, the characters believable, the story touching and memorable.