“Nothing to it but a stout heart.” On a mission to bring justice to the outlaw gang that murdered his father and brother, Matthew Teller leaves the Choctaw Tribune newspaper for his sister to operate and plunges into an unfamiliar world of darkness and danger. Working inside the coal mines of the Choctaw Nation—one of the most dangerous places in the country—he searches for a man who may have the … country—he searches for a man who may have the answers to this six-year-old mystery. But after Matthew uncovers an earth-shattering truth that rocks him to his core, he must decide what right is, and what price he is willing to pay for it.
Ruth Ann Teller knows she can handle publishing the Choctaw Tribune—until she loses their biggest advertiser. Now, with Matthew miles away and the future of the newspaper resting squarely on her shoulders, Ruth Ann must make a bold move to keep the newspaper afloat in her brother’s absence. She sets it on a course for new success or total disaster.
Striking coal miners. Outlaw gangs. An unsolved crime. And a Choctaw family that fights for one another, and for truth.
About the Choctaw Tribune series:
The Choctaw Tribune series lets you explore the old Choctaw Nation with Matthew and Ruth Ann Teller, a Choctaw brother and sister pair who own a newspaper called the Choctaw Tribune. They’re in the midst of shootouts and tribal upheavals with the coming Dawes Commission in the 1890s. These changes in Indian Territory threaten everything they’ve known and force them to decide if they are going to take a stand for truth, even in the face of death.
A historical fiction series with a Western flair, the Choctaw Tribune series explores racial, political, spiritual, and social issues in the old Choctaw Nation—and beyond.
Books in the series:
1. The Executions
2. Traitors
3. Shaft of Truth
4. Sovereign Justice
more
Another well-written tale from Sarah Elisabeth Sawyer. Her ability to impart knowledge regarding the history of the Choctaw Nation in the late 1800’s while entertaining the reader with the story of the Teller family is amazing and truly appreciated. I definitely look forward to the next phase of the Teller journey.
Shaft of Truth is the 3rd installment in Sarah Elizabeth Sawyer’s Choctaw Tribune Series, about the Teller family and the newspaper that the family publishes. I had been eagerly awaiting the 3rd book, and it was well worth the wait! In “Shaft of Truth,” Matthew Teller reminds himself often of the Bible’s instructions to “…do justly, love mercy and walk humbly with thy God” (words by which we ALL should live), as he sets off on a suspenseful journey to find the killer of his dad and brother. Choctaw Tribune Editor/Publisher Matthew leaves the newspaper in the hands of his sister Ruth Ann. Ruth Ann is an intelligent and capable young lady, but can she handle the everyday pressures of a newspaper operation, as well as the cut-throat competition from a second newspaper in town? As always, Sawyer’s writing is balanced, and she gives the reader an interesting dose of Choctaw and regional history, which whetted my appetite for additional learning (also normal, with her writing!). In this book, the reader also learns interesting facts about mining in the late 1800s. One of my favorite quotes from the book is Matthew telling a friend that he would simply write the
facts. “I will write the story about the mining communities, the whole truth. People can decide for themselves, same as you, my people’s story.” Words by which all writers should live! I would like to see one of the Hallmark channels develop a television series based on the Choctaw Tribune series!
Shaft Of Truth by Sarah Elisabeth Sawyer is a fabulous Christian historical novel set in 1894 and continues the Choctaw Tribune series. This is book three. I recommend you read the previous two books first for maximum enjoyment and to really appreciate the action here.
This was a thrilling read – my jaw literally dropped open at one point for an amazing ‘wow’ moment. I certainly failed, as always, to spot it coming. Thank you Sarah Elisabeth Sawyer for keeping me on my toes.
The novel shows the importance of family. Family motivates actions. Family unites and family pulls together. The reader sees the importance of taking care of widows and orphans. There is beautiful relationship that is mutually beneficial.
Revenge is a powerful motivator. It also turns our hearts to stone. We must dispense forgiveness, put revenge aside and leave any judging or retribution to God.
The Choctaw Tribune is used “as a weapon of truth.” We must remember to always speak and seek truth. Living a lie benefits no one.
I read Shaft Of Truth in just one sitting. I could not put it down. This Choctaw Tribune series is truly thrilling, making my heart race and my jaw drop. Write faster please Sarah Elisabeth Sawyer, I want the next instalment!
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
Go back in time to Indian Territory in Oklahoma and see history in the making through the eyes of a Choctaw newspaperman!
I loved this book and the characters who “lived” in my mind. This is a part of history not written about in history books, and I was amazed by it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Shaft of Truth is the third installment in Sarah Elizabeth Sawyer’s Choctaw Tribune series. The series follows Choctaw Tribune editor, Matthew Teller, his sister and assistant, Ruth Ann, his family and friends in Dickens, Choctaw Nation, in the Indian Territory before it became the state of Oklahoma. In Shaft of Truth, Matthew leaves home to seek the truth about the murders of his father and brother, Phillip. In doing so, Matthew leaves the Tribune, published weekly, in the hands of his sister, Ruth Ann; a level of responsibility she has never had before.
Shaft of Truth is true to Sawyer’s tradition of fast paced storytelling and historical accuracy. It is filled not only with action, but also with emotional, psychological, and spiritual dilemmas. In this story, Matthew is brought face to face with the political and social changes of the Territory as the United States government begins to put into motion the legal changes that would end Indian sovereignty, eventually leading to statehood. Immigrants, miners, unions, strikebreakers, gangs, corrupt officials, and unscrupulous doctors are just a few of the challenges Matthew will face in his quest for the truth. However, the biggest dilemma he will face will be his response to the long sought-after answer to the murders of his father and brother. The unexpected answers to his questions would put his faith to the test.
As exciting as it is following Matthew on his quest, one of my favorite parts of the book was how Ruth Ann came into her own as the managing editor of the Choctaw Tribune in Matthew’s absence. She, too, would face her own travails with employee mutiny and threats by the paper’s biggest advertiser to do the same. Ruth Ann’s response was risky and bold. In Shaft of Truth, Ruth Ann is as much a hero as Matthew.
I can’t wait for the next installment.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
There was so much in this story. There’s still in incredibly well done family characters living their saga in a changing time, with surprises no one ever saw coming!