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"The Cutting Season " is Southern, and Gothic, but with a kick. There is just more than a dab of racial American history linked into its plot, which does not exactly raise it to the level of Toni Morrison, and "Beloved," but which keeps it from being back yard trash!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
When the murdered body of a Mexican sugar cane worker is discovered on the grounds near Belle Vie plantation in Louisiana--the other Louisiana, darlings, you know, the one outside New Orleans that most don't even think exists, since many think the whole;e state of Louisiana is New Orleans!!!!--it unleashes a storm of scandal, past and present. The heroine, Caren Gray, is a true descendant of one of the slaves murdered in the past, which is one of the keys to the mystery. Hunter Abrams, who supervises the workers, is this novel's Simon Legree, and watch out for those good ole Clancy boys, who own the whole mess. There is just more than a little bit of malice lurking.
Attica Locke has a fast paced style that keeps you guessing; at one point, I suspected Caren;'s ex, Eric!!!!!!!!!!!! And I loved the character of intrepid reporter, Lee Owens. I think Caren has the hots for him--I know he likes her--and if these two are brought back, I hope sparks fly!!!!!!!!!!!
The glimpse that is given into plantation life--Romantic vs. Realistic--is very encompassing; Locke has done an enormous amount of research to flesh out and objectify what could have been an ordinary mystery melodrama.
"The Cutting Season" is recommended for a glimpse into Louisiana life not too often gleaned.
And to Dizzy Queens, whose only state association is Houmous House, where they filmed "Hush.......Hush, Sweet Charlotte!"
Velma Cruther would be appalled!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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