No title

Wry, skillful portraits of southern small town characters, as seen through the eyes of two policemen. Mystery keeps you going, but
it's the people that are the chief entertainment. A delight to read. ( )

Uncivil Seasons by Michael Malone was a complete surprise to me. First of all because I live within about 30 miles of the part of the US he writes about, second because I can’t believe I’ve never heard of him before, and third because this book was exquisite. I’m so happy to have discovered such a wonderful writer. Fortunately he’s written quite a few books so I can happily look forward to reading much more by him.

This book is the first in a series of mysteries with police detectives Justin Savile and Cuddy Mangum. It takes place in Hillston, North Carolina, a fictitious town closely resembling Hillsborough, where Malone lives, and nearby Chapel Hill.

Savile and Mangum are partners. They are as different as night and day yet work well together and have great respect and affection for each other. This book is told from Justin Savile's point of view.

Savile’s aunt by marriage, a prominent local woman, is murdered. She is the widow of a man who drowned many years ago. Her second husband, Savile’s uncle, had a relationship many years ago with a woman who supposedly commits suicide within weeks of the murder. There are textile mill and state politics involved, industrial espionage, and matters of the heart for both Savile and Mangum. How it all ties together is tightly managed and satisfyingly explained.

The dialog is rich with local color and rings with authenticity. I “saw” every character as clearly as if they had been invited over to have sweet tea on my front porch and discuss the weather. There are rich and powerful folks, working class folks, poor white trash, a crazy old black woman, and a powerful black music store owner and fence for stolen goods. There are many stereotyped characters, but especially in North Carolina, as I have discovered, the stereotypes are true and endearing, true and tragic.

This is an extremely clever and intelligent mystery, with many layers. It isn’t even one mystery, really, but a snapshot in the lives of the two detectives, Savile’s family, and how love and hate play out over decades. I found myself laughing out loud over some of the situations and language. The humor is both broad and subtle.

I recommend this book without reservation. ( )

This was the one I threw up over. 12 months later, was able to continue and finish it!

Sourcebooks Landmark isn’t an imprint I would normally turn to for a good mystery, but indeed Michael Malone’s mystery set in North Carolina is very good. Malone has some skill. I will likely pick up a few more of this series eventually. Eventually. I really need to dig myself out from under the pile I already have.

(Full review at my blog) ( )

http://www.epinions.com/Uncivil_Seasons_by_Michael_Malone ( )