Scan barcode
judelon's review against another edition
4.0
It strikes me that the author is back on her game. It seemed for several books that she was just using up bits and pieces left over from other books, but this new set of characters, time, and place felt fresh and interesting. I don't know if the new sheriff will be back for more books, but I hope so.
richardwells's review
3.0
I'm a big fan of Appalachian ballads, and I've been meaning to read Sharyn MCrumb for some time. This, her latest, was the one the library had available so I took it off the shelf. I expected a regular sort of mystery with an interesting setting, a little lore thrown in for good measure, and mountain characters a la Winter's Bone. Imagine my surprise. There is a crime, but it doesn't happen until about page 200, it's not a mystery except for motive, and as for lore and character, the author is too good to traffic in stereotypes.
The unfortunate flaw in the novel is the author's use of repetition. I don't know why she felt the need to tell us the same things two or three times, but those were pages I skimmed, and I hate skimming.
Otherwise, Prayers the Devil Answers is a good novel about family and place. If you would like to be reminded that people are basically good regardless of locale, mores and cultural tics, this is a good book to read, even as you gain insight into those other things. Ms. McCrumb has a hold on her plot, insight into her characters, and a true feeling for a place she's spent all her life.
It's a good read that could have done with some trimming.
The unfortunate flaw in the novel is the author's use of repetition. I don't know why she felt the need to tell us the same things two or three times, but those were pages I skimmed, and I hate skimming.
Otherwise, Prayers the Devil Answers is a good novel about family and place. If you would like to be reminded that people are basically good regardless of locale, mores and cultural tics, this is a good book to read, even as you gain insight into those other things. Ms. McCrumb has a hold on her plot, insight into her characters, and a true feeling for a place she's spent all her life.
It's a good read that could have done with some trimming.
retiredlibrarylady's review
4.0
One of her best I think, although the whole dumb supper piece was just distracting and not important to the story. I loved all the characters and the main character especially, but I wish she would have included her reaction to the deputy jumping on the lever at the crucial moment. Interesting thread about cheating husbands.
archergal's review
3.0
Well, that went somewhere I didn't expect!
But like most Sharyn McCrumb books, it was engaging and easy to listen to. A story about a woman who takes over her dead husband's job as a sheriff in Depression America is unusual in its own right.
But there are complications in the sheriff's job it's easy to forget.
But like most Sharyn McCrumb books, it was engaging and easy to listen to. A story about a woman who takes over her dead husband's job as a sheriff in Depression America is unusual in its own right.
But there are complications in the sheriff's job it's easy to forget.
pjgal22's review
4.0
This book’s structure was a little awkward and disjointed at times, but I really loved Ellendor, the main and only thoroughly developed character. Her matter-of-fact way of looking at life and stoic determination to meet every challenge that came her way made her a heroic figure for me. I also loved her unexpected but pitch perfect final revenge on her late husband’s mistress - it made for a great ending. I listened to the audiobook and greatly enjoyed Candace Thaxton’s narration. She was the perfect choice to voice this practical, strong woman.
old_tim's review
4.0
As always, there's a wonderful use of language & sense of place. However, the pacing left something to be desired.
http://fedpeaches.blogspot.com/2016/05/not-just-another-widow-woman.html
http://fedpeaches.blogspot.com/2016/05/not-just-another-widow-woman.html
sus7's review
5.0
I read this as a digital review copy from Edelweiss. This book truly captivated me. I love stories about strong women and this book was a wonderful read.
prof_shoff's review
3.0
Interesting enough but the real story happens in the last 1/4 of the book, almost independently of the 3/4 it takes to get to it.