Greg Iles - The Bone Tree

[mcpiers1909]

I picked this up not knowing it was the 2nd of a trilogy. I actually didn't even know that until I had finished this book (in about 3 days). It stands alone, as do all of Iles' Penn Cage series novels. This book, though categorized as a mystery, could also be categorized into historical fiction. While there is a mystery element to it that stems from some pretty legitimate conspiracy theories on the JFK, MLK, RFK assisinations, there are many historical facts that set the scenes for this novel.

Set in a long-forgotten boom-town of Mississippi, ADA-turned writer-turned mayor Penn Cage embarks on a journey to uncover the truth of racial injustices that have plagued that South, and his hometown, for sixty years. Conspiracies mount upon conspiracies as he uncovers secrets that go back to his own father's generation, and have run through to his own. In a story that starts with a former Klan members confessions and end with death and tragedy, Penn and his "sidekicks" uncover the truth behind the darkest secrets of the Civil Rights movement, including his own family's deeply-buried involvement.

Consirpacy-nuts, historical gurus, and mystery-readers alike will enjoy this book. I've described it to family and friends as "old Patterson-esque", and they agree. The thrill of the chase and the attachment to characters (who may or may not die terrible deaths later) will suck you into and possibly demand therapy when you do finally finish. Enjoy!