The year is 1812. A white trapper is murdered. And a young Chippewa Indian stands accused. Captured and shackled in leg irons and chains, Indian John awaits his trial in a settlers loft. In a world of crude frontier justice where evidence is often overlooked in favor of vengeance, he struggles to make sense of the white mans court. His young lawyer faces the wrath of a settlement hungry to see the Indian hang. And 13-year-old Rebecca Carver, terrified by the captive Indian right in her home, must decide for herself whatand whois right. At stake is a life. Inspired by a true story, Crooked River takes a probing look at prejudice and early American justice.From the Hardcover edition.