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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great historic family fued novel,
This review is from: Gilded Needles (Paperback)
In early 1880's New York City, a prominent citizen is found murdered in the infamous Black Triangle section. The incident set off a public outrage that was fanned by the aristocratic Stallworth family. At the center of the Black Triangle's activities is the Shanks family, known for fencing stolen goods from their "pawn shop" and abortions. During the first half of the novel, Judge James Stallworth plays an important role in the deaths of three of the Shankses. Shanks matriarch Lena orders her family to flee after an incident in which her daughter is killed. But before leaving, Lena vows to slay three Stallworths for the three Shankses slain. For several months, nothing happens and the Stallworths are lulled into a false sense of security. Then all of a sudden, each Stallworth receives an invitation card to his or her own funeral. Now the fun begins.While this book might not have the fastest pace, it does a splendid job placing the reader in 1880's New York City. And even with the story being a little bit predictable, the characters are constructed with enough substance to appreciate the events that they either cause or feel the effects of. For instance, we have great characters like corrupt lawyer Duncan Phair, strict James Stallworth, his compassionate granddaughter Helen, and Lena Shanks who may not think twice about commiting a crime yet she has a strong sense of family. Before I submit my review, I have to point out a few things. This may be a very difficult item to find. It was written by Michael McDowell, a horror writer. But GILDED NEEDLES is more of a historical revenge novel than it is a horror novel. When this book was first released in 1980 (I believe, don't quote me), it was marketed as a horror novel with the blood dripping from the golden finger needles and a positive blurb from Stephen King. Also check out TOPLIN by Michael McDowell. This book is competely different from, but equally as good (and equally as hard to find) as GILDED NEEDLES.
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Michael McDowell - the best,
By Theresa L. Jackson (Pasadena, MD) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Gilded Needles (Paperback)
This was an excellent book. One of my favorites by Michael McDowell. I read a lot of his books back in the 80's. Over the last couple of years I have been looking for them again and only found them used. Better used than never. I recommend all the McDowell books (the ones I have read at least): The Amulet, Blackwater series, Cold Moon Over Babylon, The Elementals I have just re-read Gilded Needles for the first time in almost 15 years and could not put it down. I also just re-read The Elementals for the first time in over 15 years. I finished both in the space of a weekend. I wish the publishers would re-print all of his books. I know they are in great demand. Michael McDowell wrote Southern Gothic at its best!
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The best novel of revenge... ever!,
By
This review is from: Gilded Needles (Paperback)
A wonderful McDowell book, as usual. Set in 1880s New York, it's the story of evil Lena Shanks, head of a family of thieves and thugs... but is she evil? We have in the other hand, good, righteous judge Stallworth, a man who always has the law no matter what... but is he good?This is the story of the clash of two families and how one slowly and strategically destroys the other. Shocking, to say the least, and a marvel of plotting. An unforgettable book.
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