It's difficult to review this novel and I'm not sure why. The writing is superb, the characters well drawn, the plot doesn't grip you right in the beginning, but builds slowly in intensity until you can't put it down. Leaves you feeling a bit drained and foggy only because it was so good. The many meanings like a puzzle you feel you have yet to understand. See what I mean? It's hard. Great read.
Thomas H. Cook is a master storyteller of crime. His writing is intelligent and well thought out. He always includes a good psychological plot and his endings are full of surprises. His settings are either in the hot deep south or the cold northeast and you can imagine yourself there. Master of the Delta is a portrait of evil, and how evil, even in its smallest form, can change innocent lives. Be sure to read this book and Thomas H. Cook's other books. They will haunt you for days to come. Are you brave enough?
This novel builds gradually, laying down disparate elements with a few hints at how it ends, tantalixing hints with no moorings. The conclusion draws it all together breathtakingly fast and artfully, with surprises that flow from the story, but which I never suspected. The atmospheric descriptions of a small town, small-town people and especially of the old plantation are uniquely masterful.
Told in the first person, this novel includes quite original flash-forwards, which may be off-putting at first. But I got used to the technique quickly.
It takes a while to establish the numerous plot elements but the payoff is grand. Leaves me thinking about some big questions.
Told in the first person, this novel includes quite original flash-forwards, which may be off-putting at first. But I got used to the technique quickly.
It takes a while to establish the numerous plot elements but the payoff is grand. Leaves me thinking about some big questions.
