Deep South

Anna Pigeon Mystery: 8

ISBN: 0-7887-4307-4 Order from: Recorded Books

A solid mystery, good protagonist and atmospheric tone make this an enjoyable book, despite a plot that drags in the middle.

Reviewed by David on June 09, 2001

Genre: Mystery (Police Procedural)

Synopsis: This is an unabridged recording of Deep South.

After years in the American Southwest, the experinced Park Ranger Anna Pigeon applies for a promotion. When a position comes through in Mississippi, far from her beloved mesas, Anna takes it, since such opportunities are rare in the Park service.

Adopting to the humid, teeming life of the Mississipi forest after the spare beauty of Southwestern desert is not easy. But the most difficult—and dangerous—hazards come, as ever, from people. From the subordinates, resentful of the new, female newcomer; to the traditional, race-conscious locals and criminally malicious drunken youths; to the greedy, ruthless felons, Anna has her hands full struggling for acceptance, justice, and even survival.

Full Review: The book is good at building an atmosphere of claustraphobia and frustration. The forests are teeming with life, insects and reptiles encroach on living space, and sullen locals conspire to make Anna's life difficult. Nevertheless, the ranger's (and writer's) keen appreciation of nature along with persevance is apparent, and by about mid-book Anna starts to appreciate the beauty of Mississippi, and finds allies and friends.

Anna's law enforcement duties come to the fore, as a murder on park land calls for her investigative skill. The solution is a bit abrupt, but there is plenty of room for suspense, courage, and insight in the last part of the book.

The pacing is a bit uneven, and the mystery plot, while good, is a bit too elaborate. In general, the characters are vivid, and Anna herself, as well as the Natchez Trace Park in Mississippi, provide plenty of attraction.

Overall: 6; Plot: 5; Characters: 6; Style: 5; World-building: 6; Originality: 5;

ISBN: 0-7887-4307-4 Order from: Recorded Books