Customer Reviews

STORM TRACK (DEBORAH KNOTT, NO 7)

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

 

 

I have been a fan of Margaret Maron for years--beginning with her NY series--and now always preorder the Deborah Knott volumes. While certain parts of the story were well up to her best, especially the storm watching and writing minister's son, I was disappointed with the lack of growth in our knowledge of the large Knot family. There were excellant scenes with Kezzie, the daddy of the clan, but the others including cousin Reid--the maybe suspect--seemed very shallow. The mystery itself was OK but predictable, although I reread a couple of key pages several times and do not yet feel that the ending "reasoning" tracked. I would recommend this book as a good diversion read but not a great one like so many of her others.

The latest of Maron's Deborah Knott series is full of action. A hurricane is bearing down on Colleton County and a woman is found murdered in a local motel. As usual, the characters are interesting and the storyline keeps you guessing. I started this book when I got home from work and did not put it down until I was finished.

Hurricane Fran is heading north towards Colleton County, North Carolina, leaving citizens concerned with its potential impact. However, before the storm hits, someone kills Lynn Bullock, wife of an attorney. Better known by most of the locals as The Tramp, Lynn was found dead in a motel room.

Any number of males including the victim's spouse could be the killer. However, law enforcement officials suspect Reid Stephenson committed the crime. Reid's cousin, Judge Deborah Knott, knows that her beloved relative did not murder Lynn. To prove his innocence, Deborah begins her own investigation, but not before a second brutal killing occurs. As events spiral out of control, the hurricane arrives to cause even more havoc.

In spite of the raging storm and series of murders, the latest Judge Knott tale is more of a character piece that deeply looks into the social behavior and interrelationships of various protagonists, especially the extended "Knott" clan. Though the who-done-it is straightforward, the plot remains entertaining as the audience gains insight into Judge Knott and kin. Margaret Maron has another triumphant relationship mystery that will send new fans seeking other Judge Knott novels and the author's wonderful Sigrid Harald books.

Harriet Klausner

I love the Deborah Knott mystery series and have read all of them. The first three chapters of Storm Track, though, are slow and disjointed. By page fifty, the pace picks up and the Ms. Maron's usually solid writing begins to kick in again. I enjoyed reading this book, but I'd be happier if I had paid for a paperback copy instead. The hardcover is only 260 pages long and the print is large. I hope the forecast for her next book is sunnier.

I read this book on a recent plane trip. I've been reading Maron's Deborah Knott books since the beginning of the series and this is one of the better ones. I don't like the ending, though. It seemed too easy. One of the charms of this series how Maron talks about Knott's large family. You're actually able to tell her 12 brothers apart! And there are a few poignant passages about Knott's mother, who died when she was a teenager. In fact, the only book in the series that I really didn't enjoy was one that didn't discuss her family. It is called Killer Market and it is about the North Carolina furniture market. Anyway, this is a good book. It's not high literature, but it's not trying to be. It was entertaining and it gave me something to do during a boring plane ride (and it's nice that we have boring plane rides, isn't it?).

Storm Track takes place as a hurricane bears down on Colleton County. The stories of a minister having an affair with a local attorney, the murder of an unfaithful wife, and the approaching hurricane weave together, resulting in murder, attempted murder, and possible scandal.

I liked the way Maron wove together her ending - without a fairy-tale happy ending, but instead a mature view of life's inevitable compromises. It was a satisfying and mature conclusion.

Excellent book, highly recommended.

I thought this book like all of Margaret Maron's Deborah Knott series was wonderful, and like catching up on things with an old friend. Although Deborah has a vast extended family, Maron skillfully keeps the reader informed as to who is who. The mystery is an important element in these books, but the family interactions are just as interesting. I loved the hurricane party -- written by someone who obviously knows how to have fun no matter what the circumstance.

If you are a Deborah Knott fan, you'll definitely enjoy this outing. The story within the story is about a hurricane bearing down upon Colleton County. I read the book while I played thunderstorm and rain shower CD's. Perfect atmosphere!!

Her mysticism surrounding the black characters reminded me of the feeling I get reading Nora DeLoatch.

Not as much courtroom action this time around but still a fulfilling read.

Margaret Maron has proven to be a reliable author and this book is a worthy addition to her Deborah Knott series. While a hurricane is raging miles away on the North Carolina coast, a young woman is murdered in a motel room. She was known to have been an unfaithful wife and had several lovers so there are no lack of suspects. As usual Deborah's large extended family plays a part in the book, especially her nephew Reid who is a suspect. We see a lessening role for Kidd who has been Deborah's lover in the past several books. As always the North Carolina setting presents a pleasing background for this series.

While the story was entertaining, I found the solution to be a little disappointing. Flipping back to the set-up for the crime, the ending didn't quite make sense. It was a quick and easy read.