Reviews

“Gordon Henderson has written a cracking yarn that grabs you by the lapels and never lets go. I have friction burns on my page-turning fingers. History, mystery, thriller, and the birth of a nation, Man in the Shadows has it all and then some.”
-Terry Fallis, bestselling author of The Best Laid Plans

 

 

“Henderson does a masterful job of weaving in the fragile history of our nascent nation with a Canadian murder mystery for the ages.”
-Robert Rotenberg, the bestselling author of STRANGLEHOLD

 

 

“Gordon Henderson’s tension-filled tale is woven around the stunning assassination of Thomas D’Arcy McGee, a Father of Confederation, whose forceful idealism laid the foundations for our celebrated diversity of today. Brimming with political intrigue and insights and sprinkled with colourful characters, romance and humour, the Canada of an earlier time jumps off the pages. Riveting and entertaining.”
-Lloyd Robertson

 

 

“With his riveting, moving prose, Gordon Henderson brings to life one of the most dramatic moments in Canadian history.”  
-Seamus O’Regan

 

 

“Historical fiction at its best. Gordon Henderson spins a fine story from the threads of the past, and perfectly captures the personalities of D’Arcy McGee and John A. Macdonald.”
-David A. Wilson, author of Thomas D’Arcy McGee, Volume 1: Passion, Reason and Politics 1825-1857 and Thomas D’Arcy McGee, Volume 2: The Extreme Moderate, 1857-1868

“Canadian historical fiction is strangely rare, so when a good writer tackles it, it’s reason to take notice. Gordon Henderson’s new book, Man In The Shadows, goes back to the days before Confederation to tell the story of an assassination attempt on prime minister John A. Macdonald. There’s tons of intrigue, both political – Irish republicans figure prominently – and sexual.”

-Susan G. Cole

NOW

 

“Henderson does a real service to the Canadian historical imagination.”

-Phillip Marchand

National Post

 

 

“Henderson, a Toronto TV documentary producer, knows his Canadian history. He’s not only a former parliamentary reporter but a senior producer on the CBC series Canada: A People’s History. If anyone could build an atmospheric crime out of Confederation, it would be him. The book’s real-life characters — the politicians and their wives — are the most fascinating cast members. The fresh-faced O’Dea is compelling as well… Readers will enjoy learning about Canada’s early days as they walk the lumber town’s working-class streets, observe the goings-on in the halls of power and encounter the many divides — religious and cultural — that made the young country so precarious.”

-Joann Alberstat

Halifax Chronicle Herald

 

“A historical whodunit, Man in the Shadows will have you turning pages as you learn about an incredibly interesting time in Canadian history…. tremendously engaging…”

-Samantha Lapierre

Ottawa Life

 

“Loved the book, I’ve got to tell you. Totally enjoyed it. I ate it up.”

 –Steve Paikin

The Agenda TVO