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Publisher's Weekly called Death's Half Acre (Find this book in our catalog) "a mellow, down-home mystery." I just consumed this book in only a few sittings and I sure it will have enormous appeal for readers of traditional mysteries for whom the key to a good read is an up-beat ending where the forces of right come out on top. I suppose this could almost be called a "cozy" mystery; but don't be afraid, Death's Half Acre has none of the cuteness and few of the frothy frills, enjoyable though they can be, of the current crop of punning mysteries centered on cooking or handicrafts.

Margaret Maron has got the tone just right in this 14th novel to feature Judge Deborah Knott. Drawing on her own North Carolina roots the author began the series with The Bootlegger's Daughter, which almost swept the board of major mystery awards. Light-handedly, Maron delineates her large cast of characters, the Judge's friends and vast extended family who populate rural Colleton County. Sure enough, the characters are rather stereotypical, but are drawn with sensitivity, humor, affection and tolerance for their failings. The author clearly understands what makes ordinary people in Colleton County tick.

When the book starts, people in the county are preparing for what will probably be a contentious hearing of the Planning Committee of the County Commissioners. County residents and politicians are divided about growth, as housing developments and shopping malls squeeze out the small farmers. Then the apparent suicide of Candace Bradshaw, a sexy and power-hungry small business owner and Chair of the County Commissioners uncovers a chain of corruption and murders.

Judge Knott tries to stay aloof from the investigation, carried out by her newly-wed husband, sheriff's deputy Dwight Bryant. For one thing she is busy with settling disputes in court and attending gatherings of family and friends. She's also concerned about what scheme her ex-bootlegger father can be up to with a manipulative and egomaniacal preacher. Eventually, however, worried about her political future, Deborah is driven to interfere with Dwight's case: she bends the law a little and suddenly is in the most terrible danger.

I'm sure I won't spoil the story if I say that good does triumph in the end in this is a modern-day parable about the dangers of greed spoiling the good things you already have. I am sure you will find as I did that it's very pleasurable just seeing how everything works out. I closed the book anticipating the next installment of the series, and I might go back and read some of the earlier books too; though it's not essential to be familiar with what went before to thoroughly enjoy this southern mystery!