Frederick Ramsay (1936–2017)

This novel was sent to me by poisoned Pen Press via NetGalley. Thank you.

This is a difficult novel to review because, as the publisher noted, the author died and left the novel unfinished. Dana Stabenow, author of the Kate Shugak mysteries, finished the novel, This sad fact explains why the sequel to the wonderful Copper Kettle reads like a working draft. At only 167 pages it contains the bones of a good plot. But the lyricism of Ramsey’s other novels, the richness of the characters, the intricate details of life in the mountains of Virginia after WWI are not here. Stabenow made no attempt to try to expand the subplots: the 15 year old pregnant girl who is taken into the Sutherlin home; the tragedy of the men in the transient camp outside of town; the backstory of Jesse’s friend and colleague who betrayed him in the end and the mysterious visit from the commanding officer they both served under during the war.

So what is here is the skeleton, the bones of a novel. The body of Jesse’s father is discovered in a redundant ice house. Nine years ago, the family had been informed that he had died of influenza while looking for work in Norfolk. Here is the first missing part. Jesse and his family seem more concerned about the person who delivered the message and what happened to the watch his father was carrying than the fact that his dad’s body was found near home. There was no fresh mourning for this man; no wake or funeral. The murderer is stupid for not checking the corpse for any other valuables and for trying to sell a distinctive item so close to the town where he had committed the crime. There is little motive given. (The reader has to be familiar with Copper Kettle to understand the animosity between the murderer and Jesse.)

This is a novel that really cannot be judged. It should be read as a tribute to a wonderful author. I am glad the family permitted its publication because it allows, albeit briefly, a final glimpse of the world of Jesse Sutherlin and his family, friends, and foes. What a rich community it was and I will miss it.… (mere)

historical-places-events, historical-research, historical-fiction, history-and-culture, amateur-sleuth, mystery
Set in the back country not long before the world financial crash and the ensuing Depression, a long dead body is found and some really unusual questions arise. It was a time when schooling took a back seat to making enough money to survive, so folks were lucky to finish the third grade. Intelligence has little to do with the opportunity to gain reading skills, and the ability to recognize clues and draw conclusions while staying safe are necessary for survival. The tale is intense and the characters are memorable.
Many thanks to NetGalley for granting my request for a free review copy.… (mere)