To paraphrase Bruce who said, in his written report delivered before the meeting, we “quite liked this book.  Good overview of the challenges of farming.”  This was also an interesting look at the migrant worker’s plight, what they have to put up with, and the dangers of coming to this country.  Would not have thought this was a problem in North Carolina.

We enjoyed the mystery and thought it was cleverly plotted.  And while the slow dropping of body parts was gruesome, it kept our attention.

The head-hopping might have been confusing, but the chapter heads kept things in line, even when there was a change of head mid-chapter.  The farming-related quotes with the chapter heads were annoying, though.

Our only real complaint had to do with the family tree we had to muddle through.  Way too many characters to keep track of.  But we did like the look at how the various family members were adjusting their thinking about how to manage the various parcels of family land.  Those portions of the book rang true, as did the legal aspects.

Bruce ended with this.  “All in all a very clever plot, well written with likable and believable characters, and all within a back ground of the dangers of pesticides and overt and hidden racism.”  Joan is hoping he’ll take over this blog…

Favorite characters – Deborah.  Joan was entranced with the fact she is a judge.  Refreshing to see something different.  We liked Dwight because he was nice, and laid back.  Cal the stepson was nicely portrayed and the growing relationship with Deborah was well-done and authentic.  Mike Diaz, who was industrious, an entrepeneur, honest, and just basically good people.

Least favorite – The victim, because he was just awful.  Buck.  Jack Jamison, who was declared to be wicked.  Mrs. Harris.  [SPOILER — A few of us thought she did it.]

 

P.S.  There are a number of copies of our next book, Murder of Mary Russell available at the library.  Just ask at the front desk.

~ Joan