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Kevin D. Randle

The Lost Colony

Part of "Jefferson's War" series

"The Lost Colony: The Untold Story of America's First War Against Terrorism" by Kevin D. Randle is a fascinating exploration of the mysterious disappearance of the Roanoke Colony, the first English settlement in the New World. Established in 1587 on Roanoke Island, off the coast of present-day North Carolina, the colony vanished just a few years later, leaving behind only a cryptic clue carved into a tree: "Croatoan." Randle, a respected investigative journalist and military historian, offers a fresh perspective on this enduring mystery, arguing that the colonists were not wiped out by disease, starvation, or hostile natives, but rather were the victims of a brutal and devastating terrorist attack. Drawing on a wealth of historical records, archaeological evidence, and interviews with modern-day experts, he presents a compelling case that the colony was targeted by a shadowy group of Islamic extremists, who saw the English settlers as a threat to their own interests in the New World. At the heart of the book is a detailed and meticulously researched account of the colony's brief history, from its founding by the intrepid explorer John White to its tragic demise just a few years later. Randle brings to life the struggles and triumphs of the colonists, as they battled against the elements, disease, and hostile natives to establish a foothold in the New World. He also offers a fascinating portrait of the complex and often contradictory world of Elizabethan England, where religious and political tensions ran high, and where the line between friend and enemy was often blurred. But it is in his exploration of the mystery of the colony's disappearance that "The Lost Colony" truly shines. Randle's theory of a terrorist attack is both plausible and chilling, and he presents a wealth of evidence to support his case. From the discovery of Arabic coins and other Islamic artifacts at the colony site to reports of suspicious activity by Muslim sailors in the area, he builds a compelling argument that the colonists were the victims of a deliberate and well-orchestrated attack. At the same time, Randle is careful to acknowledge the many uncertainties and gaps in the historical record, and he is always quick to qualify his conclusions with appropriate caveats and qualifications. He is also respectful of the many other theories that have been put forward over the years, and he takes pains to engage with and refute them in a fair and balanced way. In the end, "The Lost Colony" is more than just a gripping and suspenseful tale of mystery and adventure. It is also a thought-provoking and timely exploration of the nature of terrorism, and of the ways in which fear and suspicion can shape our perceptions of the world around us. Whether or not one accepts Randle's theory, his book is a valuable contribution to our understanding of this enduring mystery, and a reminder of the importance of asking tough questions and seeking out the truth, no matter where it may lead...