Thomas F. (hardtack) - , reviewed on 3/25/2012 + 2701 more book reviews

For McCrumb fans, beware. The first novel in this series is more serious than the Elizabeth McPherson series. And, in my opinion, is much better too.

It is 1986 and two terrible events are about to happen in a small town in Tennessee. First, there will be murders of animals and people that seem to be related to the war in Viet Nam. Second, and perhaps worse, there will be a twenty year reunion of the 1966 high school class, bringing together all the people you envied and despised 20 years ago. Some memories are best forgotten.

As a Viet Nam vet myself, I was impressed with McCrumb's treatment of the veterans in this novel. And with the character of the county sheriff who struggles with the sudden deaths in his community, which seem to be related to both Viet Nam and the appearance of a somewhat, has been, female folk signer from the 60s who has resettled in his town and may be the new love of his life.

Clues are given early on and throughout the book as to who the killer is. It was only toward the end, before the final confrontation, that one clue slapped me in the face and I realized who I had so completed ignored.

A review of the books in this series on the Fantastic Fiction Web site reveals that the plots in the remaining books in the series are spun around the thread of folk songs, as was this one. Not my cup of tea, so I'll pass on these. Still, McCrumb fans will surely enjoy them. But I recommend this first novel to Viet Nam vets who also enjoy mystery novels.

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