The Cutting Season by Attica Locke

Louisiana is full of history and has deep dark secrets.  The old plantations have seen a lot but have a closed mouth about; so do the employees.  But when a black worker with a slit throat ends up buried near the house and grounds, questions begin to rise and silence can't be kept...

HarperCollins sent me an ARC of this book for review (thank you).  It was published this month, so check with your local bookstore for a copy.

Caren Gray grew up at the plantation; she was the daughter of the cook.  Now she is there, managing the estate for public functions.  They do tours, a play, and host weddings and other big functions.  She's there with her daughter; her ex-husband is in DC.

Things are going along smoothly until the body is found.  Everyone falls under suspicion. White, black, plantation owner or farmer next door, there are questions for all.

I liked how the story merges the past with the present.  When Caren begins looking into the murder, she has no idea just how complicated it's going to become.  There are secrets buried, another murder, and much more that all come to light as she keeps digging.  

This is a complex story filled with different relationships, greed from the past as well as the present, and Caren is the central character.  She's not sure of her direction, still loves her ex-husband and wants to protect her daughter.  She'd also best protect herself...

If you'd like my copy of this ARC, please leave a comment here on my blog and email at info at bookfaerie.com with your name and address and why you'd like to read it.  I'll pick a winner in about a week.

Happy reading!