Brian Lee Knopp

Synopsis: Garnell Lee Ray parents were murdered. Now she is out to avenge their deaths. There are several other deaths around Asheville, and like Garnell's parents' murder, these haven't been solved either. J.D. Klontz, a Yankee from Buffalo and lead investigator for the Avery County, is determined to solve these crimes. Goats, potatoes, trees, witches, and a variety of goof-balls all seem to band together to keep Klontz from reaching his goal.
Review: Twelve writers from North Carolina have come together to write one chapter each in this entertaining book. It's fun, funny, and full of twists, turns and stereotypical Asheville residents, it's well worth the few hours is takes to read.… (more)

I don't even know how to begin to describe this plot. Garnell Lee Ray is an assassin for hire. She has a grudge against greedy developers and she's taking one group of particularly dirty specimens out. She likes to use gravity to her advantage. Detective Krontz realizes that Garnell is tied to these deaths in some way, but he can't quite figure out how. This Yankee cop sure as hell isn't going to let a cute little Southern girl get away with murder though.

That sounds oh-so-serious. Zany, unpredictable, and hilarious are probably the best words to describe this Western North Carolina tale. Written by 12 local authors, each getting a chapter, this seems to be a competition to see which one can throw the biggest curveball out for the next author to catch. They each did an admirable job. I would come to the end of one chapter, think, "There's no way we're working through this," and the next author would not only work through it but also raise the stakes. The story's so twisted and turned it could probably be a study in knot theory for a mathematician with time on his or her hands.

I did have to just sit back and let the story take me where it wanted though. If you have a logical, ordered mind, this might not be the book for you. But if you're willing to shut down the rational brain and enjoy the ride, it's a book that will have you laughing out loud.

I don't know how big an audience this would have outside of Western North Carolina. I think you probably have to know a little about the area and the people to really get it. I think if you're coming to visit us though, this would be a fun book to pick up while you're checking out Malaprop's (because if you're a reader, you have to stop by Malaprop's while you're in Asheville) and see what makes our corner of the world tick. It's a fun story made all the funnier with all the kernels of truth buried within the farce.… (more)

This was a very interesting and creative novel. There were some areas, although brief, that seemed forced. Like the particular author was trying to show AVL weirdness, at the risk of character continuity. Also a few minor editing indiscrepancies. But it is apparent that all the authors cherish this part of the country, and it plays out well. I would recommend this book highly. Of particular enjoyment is the last chapter, Mr. Early does a fine job of bringing a wide ranging novel to a pleasant and humourous end. The first chapter by Mr. Knopp is also memorable for its unusual premise, and well drawn and distinct characters. He writes with humor, grace, and lyricism. I hope this book, although independently published, recieves the recognition it richly deserves.… (more)