Wake County Sheriff Spencer Arrowood asks Laura Bruce, wife of the local Baptist minister, who is now an Army chaplain stationed overseas, to comfort the bereaved at the scene of a bloody murder. Ret. Maj. Paul Underhill, his wife and two of his four children are dead, shot apparently by one of the sons, who took his own life after killing the others. Laura serves as advocate for the surviving children, Maggie and Mark, who want to remain in the house so they can continue going to classes at the local high school. But when deputy Joe LeDonne discovers that the two have disinterred their father's body from its grave, he wants to know what really happened on the night of the shooting. Concurrently, 38-year-old Laura is told she is pregnant and local farmer Tavy Annis is diagnosed with cancer, brought on by a chemical spill in the Little Dove River. These plots twine around the knowledge of an old mountain seer whose gift adds to the haunting quality of the story and to its chilling suspense.

An okay read. Not one of my favorites.

I'm planning on sending this out as a bookray.

Rules: Not many. Please journal the book's arrival and departure. And please keep it moving by keeping it no longer than 4 weeks. The last person is free to release the book as they wish.


1. Tinina67 - Australia (Intl)
2. kizmiaz - Portugal (Europe)
3. chich - France (Intl)
4. azuki - US (NA/Intl)
5. luckof - Canada (Intl)
6.

Arrived today in hot sunny Australia.
On top of my TBR stack.
Thanks for sending it over!

Interesting mix, a bit slow sometimes. I expected more of a crime story, still enjoyed reading it.

Will be send on asap.

On its way to the next bookcrosser (3.12.). Travel safe and enjoy the book.

Just got it, thanks Tinina67, for sending it my way, and lauraloo29 for asking me on the Ray.
I'm reading a biggie right now and will probably make this the first reading of 2010.

This was a good way to start a new year in readings; if they all turn out like this novel it’ll be fine by me.
It isn’t the mystery in itself that attracts me to this author’s writings, it’s the way she has of describing the Appalachia, with such a strong visual image that I can’t help but be drawn in, I really enjoy the descriptions of Dark Hollow and its surroundings but also of the peoples ways, it all gives it a real sense of reality, to me.
As usual the author makes a good use of her knack for the description of the mountain community and their lore.
This being said this wasn’t the best novel I’ve read by the author.
The Underhill killings turn out to be the least interesting thing in the novel, the breaking down of the characters, the sanity, the spirit and even the weather that was what really kept me hooked on those worm eaten pages (they’re the best critics when it comes to printed matter). I would have liked to read more about Nora Bonesteel, LeDonne and Spencer but still I think the author did a good job of juggling all these complex characters, along with the plot and still fit the environamental issues there.
So, thanks again lauraloo29 for inviting me for the Ray, I have really enjoyed the trip to the mountains. I’ll give it this rate because I’ve read much better by Sharyn McCrumb.
I'll be passing it along when I get an address.

Book received today, thanks for passing it on kizmiaz & thanks lauraloo29 for hosting! This is one of four rings/rays I received today but I'll try to read it ASAP, possibly within a month:)

Happy New Year to all previous readers!

I'm afraid this book just wasn't for me. It was too slow-paced and I had to struggle to finish it.

Thanks anyway for sharing lauraloo29.

I've already PMed azuki for her address and will send her the book as soon as she gives it to me.

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

Sent to azuki today, enjoy:)

I was introduced to this author last year and enjoyed her book. Her characters are so rich. I have a few books before I can start on this, and lately I am a bit slow w the rings, but will definitely pass it on within two months if I can't do it in one.

This is my second Sharyn McCrumb novel and I really like it... had a hard time putting it down everytime. If it's not the best, as some of you rated, then I am glad I have something to look forward to!
I enjoy how McCrumb writes about her characters, so flesh-and-bone, makes me care about them.
I will mail this out later this week to the next reader.
Thanks lauraloo29 for organizing this ring and letting me know about it.

This arrived yesterday safely -- sorry I didn't journal right away -- have one more ahead of this one and shouldn't be too long -- will PM lauraloo to see where too next. Thanks for sharing!

I finished this one on the weekend -- a little slow in places for me -- but perhaps it was my frame of mind?

Lauraloo has given me permission to do as I wish with this book -- will be looking for a new home -- hmm perhaps a wild release?

thanks for sharing..