An author's note explains the research she did to uncover as much truth about the actual murder that resulted in the hanging of Tom Dooley in 1868. That story is peopled by unpleasant characters: the sociopathic servant girl who may have instigated the incident, the naive young woman who was the victim, the cold self-centered beauty who probably killed her, and of course, Tom Dooley who loved her enough to take the blame. The song made famous by the Kingston Trio actually has a bit of fact to back it up. Of course it is not all true starting with it was Tom Dula and not a straight out murder that he hung his head and cried for.Post Civil War times are hard and none of life is easy. Some people seem to just make life more difficult though. Tom Dula loves Ann Melton, how happens to be married. He will also sleep with two of her cousins who also sleep with other men. It seems there are lots and lots of lose morals about. Eventually there is a killing and Tom Dula goes to trial.Zebulon Vance is the lawyer and he is always appealing, even when he knows he is not the best person for the job.The rest of the characters are hard to like and at times I had to stop reading, sometimes for weeks, because they ticked me off so much.The novel is well written, researched, and has a lot of flavor, I just spent the time disliking the characters so much I wanted to reach in the book and give them a good slap upside the head. It can be said the characters evoke strong emotion.
An author's note explains the research she did to uncover as much truth about the actual murder that resulted in the hanging of Tom Dooley in 1868. That story is peopled by unpleasant characters: the sociopathic servant girl who may have instigated the incident, the naive young woman who was the victim, the cold self-centered beauty who probably killed her, and of course, Tom Dooley who loved her enough to take the blame.
—abc
Ms. McCrumb has a true gift for story-telling, adding richness to her characters and descriptions of the people who live and work in the small towns of her beloved Blue Ridge mountains. It is very obvious the affection she has for the history, beliefs and sometimes mystical abilities of the people who live in this most beautiful part of the country. I look forward to many more enjoyable books to come.
—Sam
Like the author's writing and will read more of her books. Just detested Pauline.
—tiff
Very good book!This author has done her research - and she writes well too!!!
—precious1
Not a very loveable protagonist, but a good yarn
—mstatimeyer
