The Assassination of Governor Boggs

Author: Rod Miller

Publisher: Bonneville Books (Cedar Fort)

Published: 2011

Softcover: 211 pages

ISBN: 978-1-59955-863-9

Genre: Historical Fiction

FTC FYI: I received a free copy from publisher in exchange for an honest review

Reviewed by Mindy

Backcover: “After an attempted assassination, Governor Lilburn Boggs couldn’t prove who’d taken a shot at him, leaving the identity of his assailant a mystery.  Twenty-five years later and after the passing of Gov. Boggs, Detective Calvin Pogue has been hired by the Boggs family to open this cold case and find out the truth about the assassin.  From Missouri to California and into the heart of the Utah Territory, Detective Pogue relentlessly seeks clues that lead him to the legendary Mormon gunman Porter Rockwell–who still isn’t making things easy for anyone!”

This book was very intriguing.  Although, it is fiction based on historical facts, it had me thinking.  Calvin Pogue is an interesting character.  He’s suffered a war injury, and is separated from his daughter.  His thoughts are of her, especially when he sees toy horses in shop windows.  Calvin takes the case, even though he knows it may be useless. He asks William Boggs (Lilburn’s son):

“Why now?” Pogue asked.

It’s as I wrote in my letter to Mr Pinkerton.  That night has haunted our family ever since.  We’ve suffered the consequences of that gunshot these twenty-five years, and the man who shot my father hasn’t.  He ought to be the one who’s suffered for what he done.”

If you like a good mystery with historical facts and characters mixed in, this book is for you.  I also liked reading Porter Rockwell’s version of events through letters.  Also, there is a surprise at the end that had me stunned.

Happy Thanksgiving!