The Lost Constitution: A Peter Fallon Novel

"The Lost Constitution" is really 2 books in one. First, it is a mystery/adventure/treasure hunt that is a cross between the Da Vinci Code and National Treasure and, in my humble opinion, stacks up very well to both. As an adventure/mystery alone it is well worth reading and easily stands, as such, on its own merit. But there is another book inside if you care to read between the lines. Within it is a book about the constitutional challenges we face today, and may tomorrow, with subtle reminders that they aren't much different than those faced by previous generations of Americans... time and time again. Ultimately, it is also an excellent commentary on what it means to be a "good American" regardless of your political leanings; left, right or center. The book was a literary rollercoaster ride that was enjoyable as well as (and I hope this doesn't turn off any potential readers) a book that made me "think."

I have read just about all of William Martin's books. I read them for many reasons. Great story telling, characters whose lives I want to follow, and historical accuracy. In The Lost Constitution I found something else that in previous books was present, but not like this. The historical perspective, with little tweaking, could have been ripped from today's headlines. In this book I can trace what happened then to what is happening now. This substantial story telling layer upped the stakes for Evangeline and Peter (in itself a powerful love story) who risk everything in their search for the lost constitution. Highly recommended.

For some reason last week I picked up William Martin's novel - The Lost Constitution - while at the airport awaiting a a business trip flight. Wow! What a wonderful surprise. I have visited 40 states; however, my travels have never taken me to New England. Reading this brought to life that part of the country so much that I'll definitely be making a trip there soon. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the journey of the Constitution unfold, watching the intertwinings of the Pike family and living vicariously through central character Peter Fallon's sleuthing. I hope they make a movie, so I can see who plays Evangeline. This was my first experience with a Martin novel, and I've already ordered two of his previous offerings to take along on our upcoming vacation. If you're looking for intriguing reading this summer, I highly recommend you do the same. One final thought: I sent an e-mail to Mr. Martin thanking him for this book, and asking how he goes about writing a novel. Within a few hours, he sent back a lenghty reply, explaining the approach he took to creating The Lost Constitution. I'm not certain many writers would have taken the time to do that. Mark me down as a big fan!

After HARVARD YARD, William Martin got up in the morning, got to work, solved the problems that writing a book present and thereby delivers to us his latest work, THE LOST CONSTITUTION. We fans are lucky that Martin himself subscribes to this Yankee work ethic that he extols throughout this book. I'm always glad when a new William Martin novel is released. I know it will be exciting, a page turner. I know it will be informative. And I know it will be a history lesson, too. In this new adventure, Martin sets our old friends, antiquarian book dealer Peter Fallon and his sassy girlfriend Evangeline, on the trail of an annotated copy of the Constitution. The stakes are higher in this quest than in his past tales. As important and valuable as the Paul Revere Tea Set from BACK BAY and Shakespeare's missing manuscript from HARVARD YARD might be, they don't have the political or social ramifications of this purloined copy of the Bill of Rights. What were the true intentions of the delegates? How much compromise was there before ratification? This copy smuggled out of Philadelphia might shed light on these issues and others. Various competing factions within the country - Lefties, Righties, gun nuts, religious zealots - want this document, with margin remarks by Massachusetts delegate Rufus King, because it might bolster their cause or philosophy, which would translate into more power and more credibility. Power and credibility that are worth killing for, as Fallon and Evangeline discover as they track the missing document's movement through time. This is a new millenium William Martin. His vision is as sharp as the hawks he has lazily soaring above the perimiters of the New England farmlands. There's terrorism in these pages. There's murder and assassination. And a final clash of past and present at Fenway Park during the World Series. There's even a Bingo confrontation! And, of course, there's the history. In this case, the rich tapestry of New England's past, beginning with Shay's Rebellion, as seen through the eyes of Martin's Pike family. The Pikes take us along with them as the document wends its way through New England through the generations. At every step of the way, Martin explores fascinating aspects of New England's past. A past that Martin obviously reveres, which is evident in all of his books. I expect that the most knowledgeable students of New England history will learn a few things from this book... Somehow, with all of the vying for power and the attempts of opposite sides of issues to secure this document for their own ends, we understand that, ultimately, this Constitution of the United States, with its unique Bill of Rights for us citizens, brings us closer together much more than it divides us. It resonates at every stage of our development as a country. It is vital. It is alive. It will survive bad presidents and worse calamaties than that. It is our great strength. And it's William M

Bill Martin delivers the goods with an A+ effort. Peter Fallon, Martin's favorite alterego, once again leads us on a merry chase through history. This time the focus is on the Constitution. Martin is able to demonstrate how this document is insinuated in the fabric of our history as well as our everyday thinking. He prods us to ponder on what was the process that lead to a brief yet all encompassing document that stitched together a nation. The story portrays little publicized historical nuggets such as the raid on St. Albans. Martin touches on aspects and applications of the Constitution that help form a framework to consider modern contitutional issues. Most importantly, he shows us that the document is alive. All the history aside, the story is a sleigh ride of adventure. This is perhaps the quickest paced book since Nerve Endings. The story pulls one through. I found myself pushing the book away so that I could consider the two sides of all Bill Martin's tales, the facts and the story. It is a must reread for me and should make a great beach book. The reach of this book should extend to every American or want-to-be American. Congratulations to Bill. My only wish is that he could publish more often, however, the detailed work make each new book a joy.