I completely enjoyed this new series from C. Hope Clark. Carolina Slade works for the USDA in a not glamorous job loaning money to farmers. See, not glamorous. However, she does it with grace and empathy for those who seek her help, until she is offered a bribe by a local hog farmer. A no-brainier, Slade reports the attempted bribe do a federal employee to her boss and her world falls apart. I immediately connected with the character as a strong southern woman able to take control and handle stress. She uncovered and helped solve the mysterious deaths of coworkers and ring of criminals in her sleepy little town without really wanting to and rid herself of the negativity plaguing her at the same time. I will read the next Carolina Slade Mystery. I really appreciated the description and character development that went into the telling of this story. I immediately detested the antagonist after the first introduction--made my skin crawl! It resonated deeply with my experiences with a certain someone in my past. Great mystery and suspense in this book! I highly recommend the second book (Tidewater Murder) in this series as well. It can be read without reading the first, but it's always better for context to know the full background of the character. There was more room for levity in the second book--which was a relief! Great writing in both, though!
What do You think about Low Country Bribe (2012)?
Excellent book about a female Agriculture Agent in SC.
—zarina
