Perhaps She'll Die (A Chantalene Mystery) [Paperback]

M. K. Preston (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1, 2002 | Series: Worldwide Library Mysteries (Book 430)

Mortal Ties

Chantalene Morrell returns to rural Tetumka, Oklahoma, to answer the haunting questions of her past. Twelve years earlier, her father had been lynched for a crime he didn't commit, and shortly after, her mother disappeared without a trace. Now, Chantalene's determined to pursue the shadow figures that haunt her dreams -- to unmask the four men who destroyed her family.

But it seems someone has already begun pursuing vengeance for her as one by one, the men she suspects are brutally murdered. Unfortunately, Chantalene is the primary suspect.

Struggling to clear her name and make sense of what she witnessed that horrible, moonlit night in the wheat field, Chantalene discovers the truth has a blood price . . . one that a killer is ready to demand in full.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Chantalene Morrell, a Gypsy from Tetumka, Okla., returns in search of the men who lynched her father and caused her mother to disappear in M.K. Preston's first book, Perhaps She'll Die. She gets a whiff of what she's up against when the butcher offers her information and ends up murdered, but a dauntless Chantalene, aided by a local boy back home for a visit, plumbs the depths of the hostile town and her own memories.

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

Chantalene Morrell, part Gypsy and recently returned to the family farm, announces to the surly citizens of Tetumka, OK, that a man on death row has confessed to the crime for which four of them lynched her father 12 years ago. Chantalene wants her father's killers apprehended, but the subsequent grisly murder of a prime suspect lands her in jail. After another returning native, New York tax attorney Drew Sander, rescues her, they form an unsteady alliance aimed at uncovering the truth. This first novel by the publisher of the writer's magazine Byline features an unusual heroine, idiosyncratic characters, a bucolic setting, and an intriguing plot. Strongly recommended.
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Worldwide Library (August 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0373264305
• ISBN-13: 978-0373264308
• Product Dimensions: 6.5 x 3.9 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 0.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,934,152 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fast Moving Oklahoma Thriller, June 28, 2006

By 

Louis N. Gruber "Author of Jay" (Lexington, SC United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Perhaps She'll Die: A Chantalene Mystery (Hardcover)

Chantalene, a young woman haunted by dreadful memories, returns to her home town of Tetumka, Oklahoma. Twelve years ago, in one horrible night, her father was lynched for a crime he didn't commit, and her gypsy mother, LaVita, fearing for her own life, ran away and abandoned her.

Now Chantalene is determined to find out what really happened, and who killed her father. The townspeople aren't exactly thrilled to see her, and things start going dreadfully awry from the first page. Fortunately, she finds an ally, Drew Sander, a New York tax attorney, who is also returning to Tetumka, but for very different reasons. I won't tell you what happens, of course; you'll have too much fun reading this book for yourself.

Author Marcia Preston writes an engaging fast-paced thriller that hooks the reader from the very first sentence and doesn't let go until the end. The mystery has many levels--child abuse, traumatic memories, frontier justice, and the characters' search for their own integrity. Not to mention a delightful hint of romance. I can recommend this book for a really enjoyable read. Reviewed by Louis N. Gruber.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Bravo! Preston's debut is very impressive., September 3, 2001

By 

April Burk (Archer, FL United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Perhaps She'll Die: A Chantalene Mystery (Hardcover)

I finished the book this morning with the satisfied feeling of having spent my time on worthy reading. I sincerely hope the author is hard at work writing a follow-up, because I'd love to follow these characters as they continue to grow. Highly recommended.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Suspense, Surprise, Satisfaction, March 26, 2006

By 

Betty Wilson Beamguard (York, SC USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Perhaps She'll Die (Paperback)

This little mystery perfectly captures rural life and thinking, the effect of trauma on a child, and the strange ways those we know best can surprise us. A very satisfying read that will take you out of your world for a few hours.