It is July 1951, and in Georgia, that means oppressive, sticky heat. Twelve-year-old Beth Anne Crane and her family visit her grandmother in Columbus, Georgia. She loves all her kin, but it becomes clear that she doesn't understand the undercurrents of hatred and greed roiling under a surface calm.
As she tries to acclimate to the changes around her, the killing starts. First it's the mentally retarded young black son of her great-aunt Ophelia's former cook. Then Beth Anne's friend Nina disappears. Then it's Auntie who disappears. Who will be next? Beth Anne herself may be the next one to fall prey to the killer's mania.
Synopsis
It is July 1951, and in Georgia, that means oppressive, sticky heat. Twelve-year-old Beth Anne Crane and her family visit her grandmother in Columbus, Georgia. She loves all her kin, but it becomes clear that she doesn't understand the undercurrents of hatred and greed roiling under a surface calm.
As she tries to acclimate to the changes around her, the killing starts. First it's the mentally retarded young black son of her great-aunt Ophelia's former cook. Then Beth Anne's friend Nina disappears. Then it's Auntie who disappears. Who will be next? Beth Anne herself may be the next one to fall prey to the killer's mania.
Small Press Book Review
...a memorable picture of racism that is variously stark and nuanced.
...a memorable picture of racism that is variously stark and nuanced.
Library Journal
While visiting the small town of Columbus, GA, in 1951, 12-year-old Beth Anne Crane begins to notice some of the painful truths of life in the deep South. Confused by the racism she sees, Beth Anne begins to question the status quo, an action that wins her no friends among adults or children. Soon she realizes that there is an undercurrent of hatred in the town, a hatred that results in murder. To Beth Anne's growing horror, she begins to suspect that her own family may be involved in the crime. Reminiscent of Harper Lee's To Kill A Mockingbird, this mystery by Schunk (The Voice He Loved, Thomas Nelson, 1995) brings the era to life while simultaneously conveying a strong message of acceptance and tolerance. Beth Anne's appealing child's-eye view of the world and the subtle Christian message should make this appealing to fans of Christian and mainstream mysteries.
