Customer Reviews

If Ever I Return, Pretty Peggy-O

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

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.

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.

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?

What a delightful cast of characters! Nora Bonesteel has "the sight." Sheriff Spencer Arrowood is trying to solve the murder of a young town girl. Folk singer Peggy Muryan unwittingly becomes part of a twisted murder committed to "avenge" a soldier she left behind before he was killed in Vietnam. Lovingly shows insight into Appalachian manners, customs, and ways. Ms. McCrumb writes about Appalachia from the inside

This book is filled with fascinating characters, vivid prose, and uniquely American historical drama about the Vietnam war. With a brilliant surprise ending that reveals not only who's been killing young women in this small Appalachian town but also what burdons have been all along killing the other characters inside, this gem of a book is perfectly plotted and definitely worth reading.

The Vietnamese war of 20 years past weaves in and out of the characters' lives. Those who endured it personally grapple with its aftermath, while those who did not struggle to understand. The mystery itself is weak, but the impact of the Vietnam theme is poignant and unforgettable. I will read it again.

This was my introduction to the Viet Nam War. Oh, I lived through it but refused to read anything concerning that atrocity until accidentally I found this novel. Actually, one of her characters had been in that war.

After that, I was able to read other accounts and not cringe inside. In this one, she lists the "Ballad of the Knoxville Girl," which I had never heard before. At a book conference in Nashville in 1998, she sang this song to me as I waited for her to sign one of her books I had just purchased.

She is a marvelous talent in the writing field and has gone on to do more research and entertain us royally. She's not a bad singer, either.

This was the first in the ballad series by Sharon McCrumb, and I ended up reading this after I had read all the others. This was not the best of the series, but I did still enjoy it. As I have said in other reviews, to read a Sharon McCrumb ballad novel is to fall in love with the characters, the setting, and their story. This one gave me a little better insight into the man, Spencer Arrowwood, who is the sheriff and who I fell in love with in the other books. I suggest reading the ballads in order, but it is not necessary. But if you get started, be prepared to want to read them all!

I really enjoyed this first book in Sharyn McCrumb's Appalachian mystery series. The book revolves around the planning for a 20 anniversary high school reunion, and it therefore covered the mid to late sixties, so the music, the history, and everything was actually from my era, so that made it fun. I am a 60's music buff, so I enjoyed the references to 60's folk and rock music very much. It is actually quite a surprising plot, and the killer turns out to be a real surprise. I also enjoyed the Tennessee countryside and the small town atmosphere. I am really looking forward to reading more about Sheriff Arrowood and Deputy Joe LeDonne looks to be a very interesting character. This Vietnam vet carries a lot of baggage as so many Vietnam vets do, but it makes him interesting and mysterious. Masterfully written, and a real page-turner is how I would describe this book.

As a mystery, "Peggy-O" falls a trifle short; there simply aren't that many possibilities for the killer. But as a study of present-day Appalachian life, it's superb. The characters are compelling, their worries, aspirations etc. expertly handled. McCrumb obviously has tremendous pride in being of the region and it shows. Richly detailed and executed.