The design and UX isn't done, Rob and Abbie, okkurrrr! 😌
sci_mom's review against another edition
3.0
This was a goodreads giveaway, but I love the Penn Cage series and was happy to read it. It's a good little story, but doesn't really add a lot to the character or Natchez storyline in general, so I don't think it is a must read for anyone who is into the series. I got into the Penn Cage series late, though, and didn't need the filler. Overall, it provides some background and, I'm guessing, sets the foundation for a future PC book.
heffalumpwoozle's review
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
yrsbrn's review against another edition
4.0
Short and sweet, but once you get past the clunky introduction, it’s a tight, interesting story that seems to have its roots in many real, accurate issues.
rbdcaanada's review
5.0
Excellent warm up to Natchez Burning...the long awaited next book with Penn Cage.
tdblaylock's review
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
A really quick read, but still heavy. This novella bridges The Devil's Punchbowl and Natchez Burning by giving some background into Penn's final days with his wife, Sarah. It gives some incite to why he decided to leave Houston once and for all and move back to his hometown of Natchez. Of course it also a crime that needs solving. The way it was told is very creative. Instead of telling the story as it unfolds, Penn reveals the details in flashbacks as he retells the tale to his uncle Jack. The crime is interesting and shows Penn's turning point from hard-core prosecutor to "man of the people." This novella is somber and Iles delivers the tone extremely well. He doesn't let solving a crime overshadow the turmoil and grief of Sarah's death.
aspygirlsmom_1995's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
mdunford78's review against another edition
5.0
Excellent short story! This author pulls you in before you know it.
cde10's review
3.0
This is a novella that fits in the middle of the 6 book Penn Cage series. Honestly, I’m not entirely sure what purpose it serves. It gives you a little more background into all the reason Penn Cage moved back to Natchez, but to me, didn’t feel like it was worth it’s own novella.