Ministers Ghost a Fever Devilin Mystery [Hardcover]

Phillip Depoy (Author)

Product Details

• Hardcover
• Publisher: ST MARTINS MINOTAUR (2006)
• ASIN: B001EYZE7A
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)

More About the Author

Phillip DePoy is an Edgar Award winning playwright, and author of more than a dozen published books. His play Lamb on Fire was produced in New York. He has been called "a master Southern storyteller" by Kirkus Reviews and "adept at clever word play" by Publisher's Weekly. THE KING JAMES CONSPIRACY has been compared, in BookList, to Umberto Eco's THE NAME OF THE ROSE. In a recent review, Kirkus said of his new novel A CORPSE'S NIGHTMARE, "Nobody writes Southern better than DePoy." In addition to his other pursuits, the author is currently Director of Theatre at Clayton State University.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars terrific Blue Mountain amateur sleuth, December 27, 2005

By 

Harriet Klausner - See all my reviews
(#1 Hall OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Minister's Ghost: A Fever Devilin Mystery (Hardcover)

Georgia folklorist Fever Devilin knows that those residing in Appalachia distrust outsiders. When he gave up the boredom of academia to return to his hometown of Blue Mountain, the local Georgians considered him tainted and treated him like an alien (see THE DEVIL'S HEARTH). Still he perseveres and assisted his friend Sheriff Skidmore "Skid" Needle on an investigation and hooked back up with Lucinda.

An accident at a train crossing in nearby Pine City leaves Lucinda's two teenaged nieces, Rory and Tess, dead. Lucinda refuses to believe an accident occurred because as she logically says to Fever that even if their car stalled on the tracks, they could have left the vehicle. Though he believes the tragedy was an accident, he tells Lucinda that he loves her (saying this affection for the first time) and will make inquiries, but he soon finds the obvious conclusion false.

The third Blue Mountain amateur sleuth tale is a terrific entry in a strong series (see THE WITCH'S GRAVE) as Fever is caught up with investigating what seems a sad tragedy. The insight into the townsfolk and the local culture is incredible; so strong that in some ways it supersedes the fabulous investigation. Though the ending seems implausible, fans will appreciate Devilin's latest adventure on his hometown turf.

Harriet Klausner

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A fascinating book., February 18, 2006

By 

L. J. Roberts (Oakland, CA, USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Minister's Ghost: A Fever Devilin Mystery (Hardcover)

This book is not for everyone. As a reader, one must open oneself to the local culture, atmosphere and old beliefs of hill people where what's real can have a different definition. The characters include little people, a ghost, a snake-handling preacher, hobos, a junk-yard dealer with a unique musical instrument and Fever's best friend, the sheriff who is not acting like himself. The mystery is not the strength of the story. The strength is the unusual, intriguing characters and atmospheric, lyrical writing. Personally, I very much enjoyed this book and this series and want to find out more about these fascinating people.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful!, January 29, 2006

By 

L. Higgins (Colorado USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Minister's Ghost: A Fever Devilin Mystery (Hardcover)

Depoy's latest work is simply wonderful. Fine characterization, sharp plotting, and engagingly written. Don't miss it!