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First
Sentence: I watch Loretta Singletary hurry up the steps to
my house.
Dora
Lee Parjeter wasn't particularly well liked by her neighbors
or her estranged daughter, but that's no reason to kill her.
When the less-than-conscientious chief of police, who also
happens to be the town drunk, immediately arrests Dora's live-on
grandson, Samuel remembers that Dora claimed someone was spying
on her, and wants to be certain the real killer is arrested.
Shames
has a wonderful and delightful voice. She brings her characters
to life and perfectly captures life in a small town. No matter
which state someone may be from, anyone from a small town
will easily recognize the characters and traits, good and
bad, of the characters, including cats…"They are
careful to keep their priorities straight. Feed me, give me
a warm dray place to sleep, pet me when I tell you to, then
leave me to my own devices."
Samuel
Craddock is a wonderful protagonist; intelligent and capable.
He is very likeable, but with just a hint of an edge that
keeps him from being a bit too perfect. I particularly appreciated
that he is still grieving for his wife and not looking for
a new partner, and the way Shames included that relationship
in the explanation as to why a small-town sheriff would have
an extremely valuable art collection.
The flow
is very; one is never tempted to put the book down. The plot
is well done with plenty of suspects, a couple of good red
herrings and, unfortunately, one large coincidence. This is
perfect a perfect book for those who like they're mysteries
"squeaky clean," but don't mistake it for a cozy.
It is a true traditional mystery and, by no means, insipid
or twee.
A
Killing at Cotton Hill is a very well-done mystery with
a solid plot and excellent characters. There is enough edge
to keep the story realistic and compelling.
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