Review: Thoroughly Enjoyed It
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 11 29, 2013
The trial of Dr. Kate takes us back to Round Rock in the 1950’s, about 10 years after Little Joe (book 1). Dr. Kate is the daughter of Dr. Marlow from Little Joe and she works ridiculously hard for the people of Parson’s County. Now she’s been charged with the murder of one of her patients, and she can’t remember what happened that day.Shenandoah Coleman, now a reporter with the Memphis Express, is back in Round Rock to cover the trial. Though the trial is about Dr. Kate, Glasscock brings depth to several different characters in this story. We learn about their histories via reminiscing and through conversation between characters.I thoroughly enjoyed the romantic element in this novel. It was sweet and clean. This time the romance was between a widower with a child and an independent woman with no aspirations toward motherhood. It was very amusing to see her willingness (and ineptitude at her attempt at childcare).I felt that I really connected with Dr. Kate and wholly approved of her moral values relating to abortion and assisted suicide. I also liked her attitude of equality with the black people in her community. I thoroughly disliked the Sheriff on the other hand who used his authority to belittle black people, put them down, and bully those he didn’t like.I was shocked by some of the surprising twists near the conclusion of the story. I can’t mention them here as they will spoil the story, but suffice it to say that I was blindsided by them. I’m not sure that I liked them, but they did make for an ending I did not expect, so be sure this is not your typical formula for a book.Michael Glasscock is a very smooth writer. His people are believable, their dialogue flows the way people really talk to one another. This was altogether an enjoyable book. I highly recommend it. I gave it 5 stars.Thank you to NetGalley who provided a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. I was not required to give a positive opinion. All thoughts are my own.