I like this series. I learned about the Indian tribes of the South East and other mountain folk.

I have not read a Sharyn McCrumb book yet that I have not thoroughly enjoyed, and this one is no exception.

A Good Read

Very creative storyline. Not one that has been overdone and very well played out from beginning to end for our heroine.

When an Appalachian dig to determine if an obscure Indian tribe in North Carolina can lay legal claim to the land they live on is stopped on account of murder, Elizabeth MacPherson — eager student of the rites of the past and mysteries of the present — starts digging deep. And when she mixes a little modern know-how with some old-fashioned suspicions, Elizabeth comes up with a batch of answers that surprise even the experts.... (from Barnes & Noble website)

The sequel to Sick of Shadows, so I was predisposed to like it. Amusing, cozy, some fascinating information on the archaeological process of an active dig, a little romance. Altogether an enjoyable marshmallow of a story.

enjoyed this

Book 2 in the Elizabeth McPherson series. New setting (outhern Appalachians) and cast of new characters, but Milo (briefly seen at the end of book one) is prominently featured throughout the book. Elizabeth, in a continued theme of trying to decide what to do with herself after receiving a degree in sociology, accompanies Milo (her love interest) on an archaeological dig to help a self-proclaimed American Indian tribe prove their claim to the land they have lived on for generations. Elizabeth has taken some classes in local herb lore, so she eagerly connects with a local "wise woman" in hopes of getting first hand knowledge of herbs.

I am rereading some of this series that I read and mightily enjoyed almost 20 years ago. I did enjoy book one in this series because of the acerbic wit and repartee between several characters. This book did not hold my attention as well as the previous book, I am vacillating between a 3 and a 4 star. I think I will give it a 3 star because the story was mildly interesting and not objectionable, so I would recommend if you want a quick, light read. A 4 star review means I will read it again in the future but the time would be better spent reading new material in this case.

What I liked: interesting premise of tribe who is trying to be recognized by the government. That is a cultural and historical issue. The characters were likable, but not fleshed out enough to be lovable (or unlovable). There was no element of mysticism, and some interesting historical references.

What I disliked: I get annoyed with female characters that are blatantly desperate for a relationship, and she was alternately fawning and pouting over her interactions with Milo. The mystery was pretty transparent, and it was obvious who-dun-it before Elizabeth set herself up for attempted murder by confronting the killer. Really?! Is she so naive that she can't see that coming? And the men in the story swoop in and rescue her again (as in book one) when she is about to be killed. This is not a strong female lead figure. The botanical references were vague, and in one instance incorrect. Dodder is an obligate parasite on other plants, i.e. it is hosted ("rooted", if you will) by other plants and can't be planted as a separate so-called "love vine". Don't know where she came up with that idea.

This was slow paced read with an interesting plot, proving through an archaeological dig that land belonged to an Indian tribe. The story seemed to drag but with a few curious tidbits of information and a twist in the final chapters.

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I enjoy her Ballad books, the Elizabeth MacPherson series is weaker. I noticed in another review I said I wouldn't read anymore from this series, but a $1.99 sale caught me. This is like the others -- lightweight, and mildly entertaining. I probably should expect more for 3 stars, but I didn't dislike it.

Started great and going slow now (part of this is a time issue for me)

story told from the point of view of a child murdered and now residing in heaven.

Sorry, I just couldn't rate this book very highly. It started out with a lot of promise; I thought the premise was interesting, but the book deteriorated into a shallow book, in my opinion. Too unbelievable. The characters weren't well-developed enough to really engage me.