13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Real Find!, July 27, 2002
I run two book discussion groups in the library where I work and am always on the look-out for good titles for both. Our general (eclectic) club is usually not such a problem, since the participants know to expect a wide variety of materials. The mystery discussion sessions have been a little more problematic, partly because it's a specialized genre, and one that I'm not as familiar with myself, and partly because mysteries, while extraordinarily poplular at my library, don't always lend themselves to a lengthy discussion unless they have well-rounded characters and well developed plotlines or if they touch upon broader themes than the solving of the mystery itself.
This book, Sharyn McCrumb's first work in her "Ballad Series," met all these criteria--and for my money was an intriguing and effective mystery besides. The book tackles such weighty themes as the legacy of the Viet Nam era, family conflicts and resolutions and even the lesser trauma (or maybe not, if we'e honest about it) of not having the greatest time in high shool. McCrumb is able to address all these themes with humanity, wit and a keen eye for detail. All in all, I'd say this is the BEST title our little mystery group has discussed yet.
I was a little surprised to see that others here have given this book decidedly mixed reviews. Since I am not a long time mystery buff myself, I guess it could be true that the "whodunnit" question might be more obvious to a genre expert. But I tend to doubt that actually, since many in our group would qualify as such--and they didn't necessarily see the ending coming. McCrumb throws out enough in the way of red herrings to keep most readers guessing.
But for me, the main appeal of this book is indeed the masterful characterization. These are complex people, whom you genuinely come to care about. I wouldn't hesitate at all to introduce McCrumb's work to my more "literary" discussion group. She is, simply stated, a darned good writer.
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12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
4 stars for the mystery; 5 for the story, April 22, 2001
I had the mystery killer figured out before I was half way though the book. That was the reason for the 4 star rating of this book. However, the story that goes along with the mystery is so much better. It is the story of getting over a single event that positively or negatively shaped your life (or the lives of those living in the small Tennessee town).
I'm glad I found out about Sharyn McCrumb (thanks Joe!). Even though I'm not from Appalachia, I'm from the South. McCrumb brings a new vioce to the South with a combination of old tales. I feel like I understand the characters in this book even though they are from a different generation than me.
I couldn't put the book down after I started reading it. I am very much looking forward to reading the rest of the series of the Appalachian Ballads. This book series is being taught at universities and high schools around the "New South." Don't put off reading this author upon recommendation from your child.
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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Highly recommended, May 26, 2000
This author really can do no wrong.
In Spencer Arrowood she has a believable and likeable main protagonist and the characters supporting him are well drawn too.
With good characters and a suspenseful plot - what more could you ask for?
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