Customer Reviews

Summer of the Redeemers: A Novel

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This is one of the finest books I've ever read! In Summer of the Redeemers, Carolyn Haines has created a book rich in place, atmosphere, characters, detail, and heart. I believe it ranks right up with To Kill a Mockingbird in significance. It's a book of many layers. Her characters are so real and resonate with life. It is a coming of age story as well as a murder mystery, but there are many underlying themes; family bonds, friendship, loyalty, love, the unease of 1963. This is not only a "southern" novel, but a novel that speaks to all.

I'm a big fan of Ms. Haine's "Bones" series, which are delightful. But even in that series there are deeper streams flowing, which make them several notches above other "cozies." Ms. Haines is a master of her craft, a gifted writer. Read the Sarah Booth Delany series, and read her other marvelous novels: Touched, Fever Moon, Penumbra, Season of Innocents, Judas Burning, Revenant, and her heartbreaking, magnificent biography, My Mother's Witness. But be sure to read Summer of the Redeemers; you'll be more than glad you did!

I am from the small town of Lucedale, Mississippi ( the town on which I believe "Jexville" is based), and after reading "Summer of the Redeemers," I have to say that not even Anne Rice or Stephen King could make the hair stand on the back of my neck like Carolyn Haines does.

Her writing is exquisite, her characters real and believable and the subject matter hits so close to home that it makes her stories all the more believable and realistic to someone who has grown up in a Southern small town.

I do not want to spoil the book for anyone, but "Redeemers" is definately something to get now ( I see that at least the hardcover edition is out of print), before it is too hard to find. Luckily enough, I bought all of the existing Haines books for my mother a couple of years ago as a Mother's Day present, and am just now getting around to reading them.

Believe me...it was worth the wait. I'm ready to read "Touched," and then move on to the "Bones" series.

Everytime I read one of Carolyn Haines books I am drawn into them, turning the pages as fast as I can. She has embarked on a new journey with this book, away from her usual "Bones" series, but with even more success! I felt this one followed much along the lines of Penumbra. Awesome, scarey, characters that are believable, and of course the inclusion of the flavor of the old south (which I love).
I am looking forward to her next release!

I guess everything has already been said, except for the fact that this book is great. Have you ever been to the deep South ? If not, read the book!

Summer Of The Redeemers
If you are in need of resurrecting a summer in your childhood,this is the one. You will smell the sweet warm aroma of Kudzu,see dust devil dancing at your feet, and take a dip in the swimming hole. If you enjoy the chill of suspense, while wrapped in the warm security of a family and good old southern cooking - just settle in and enjoy a deliciously described story of suspense and mystery. Ms. Haines shows us once again, how blackened the human heart can become and how high it can ascend. Carolyn Haines demonstrates her talent, in a mesmerizing style reminiscent of the Southern notables: Faulkner, O'Connor, and Conroy.

I think Mrs. Haines did a great job. I am a Mississippi teen, and can really relate to this book. It kept me interested all the time---there wasn't a dull page! I read a lot, and I really enjoyed this book better than most! It was really an enjoyable read!!!

This book is written beautifully. It is a love story with many plot twist. A real page turner.

As a devoted Carolyn Haines fan, I may be a little biased, but this was a stellar read. I could not put it down, my stomach twisting in knots in anticipation of what would happen next. A deliciously bittersweet and heart ripping story of lost/stolen innocence and the dark, sinister and perhaps misunderstood minds of those who steal it away. Ms. Haines has yet to disappoint!

My first introduction to Carolyn Haines was her novel Touched, which I absolutely loved and rated a 5. I thoroughly enjoyed Summer of the Redeemers as well, but not quite as much, so I rated if a 4. This is one talented and gifted writer, and I look forward to reading more from her.

I absolutely loved this book. I am not from the South nor have I spent any time there but that didn't matter. I was completely drawn to the characters and to the suspense of the storyline. I felt like I was living that summer right along with Rebekah with all the of wonder, fear, and loss that she experienced. It is truly a wonderful book.