LecClier K. (SierraK) -
Helpful Score: 1
This was a great mystery set in rural North Carolina. The main story line in the book revolves around the Norden family and thier pottery. Judge Deborah Knott is sent to Seagrove, North Carolina, to preside over the final property division to finalize the divorce between James Lucas Norden and his soon-to-be-exwife Sandra Kay Norden. But when James Lucas is found gruesomely murdered at the Norden family pottery, Judge Knott finds herself embroiled in the Norden family's drama.
In addition to the well-told mystery, the author weaves in a lot of information about the craft of making pottery.
In addition to the well-told mystery, the author weaves in a lot of information about the craft of making pottery.
Helpful Score: 1
I thoroughly enjoyed this book as I have all of Margaret Maron's books, particularly the Judge Deborah Knott series of which this is a part. In this case, Judge Knott travels to the real North Carolina pottery-making community of Seagrove. Her job is to oversee the equitable distribution of marital property. The marriage of two successful potters has come to a bitter end after 25 years. Murder ensues. BTW, some of the minor characters are actual well-known NC potters. Each chapter starts with a quote from one a several books on Seagrove pottery. Besides providing an excellent mystery read, I felt like I learned a lot about pottery. In fact, this book inspired me to start collecting NC pottery. In particular, it inspired the selection of the first piece in my collection: a Chinese Red Egg Vase made by Ben Owen III. Enjoy!
"Vivid... Engaging... Fascinating" -- Washington Post Book World.
8th in the series and not really necessary to have read any others. Maron takes us on another road trip to a different area of North Carolina, where we learn a bit about their famous potteries, and a bit more about making pots and glazes. Nice mystery plot with the villain not immediately obvious and no major twists. Judge Knott has plausible reasons for being nosy and she isn't just a bystander in the solution. Maron was pretty hard on the Nordan family but they did kinda deserve it. The opening bits that spell the end of the Kidd relationship are laugh-out-loud funny, as is the other judge later in the book, but the Nordan family...I found that whole thing pretty dark. I liked it.
Debbie J. (southerndemocrat) reviewed Uncommon Clay (Judge Deborah Knott, Bk 8) on + 9 more book reviews
I really enjoyed this book as I have all of Margeret Maron's books that I have read --- about 6 or 7. She is a great southern writer that has suspense and love and humor in all of her books. She includes the southern American culture in a humorous, sentimental, and honest way. I don't know why Margaret Maron has not received the acclaim that other writers of her genre have. I think she is an excellent storyteller!
Patricia H. (beachcomber) reviewed Uncommon Clay (Judge Deborah Knott, Bk 8) on + 320 more book reviews
Good quick read. Interesting characters.
A woman is found dead with her infant near death. Workers investigated a cry that they though was a trapped animal and found them both.Another great Knott mystery.
ANDRE' E. J. (Expeditious) -
This entire series of Judge Deborah Knott by Margaret Maron is an absolutely joy to read.
The characters are well thought out and explained and continued throughout the series.
The locations and situations are wonderful too - even with the 'journalistic license' taken.
One feels you know the places, folks, taste the food, experience the wonderful place that is
North Carolina. I simply just loved it and could not wait to read on and on.
The characters are well thought out and explained and continued throughout the series.
The locations and situations are wonderful too - even with the 'journalistic license' taken.
One feels you know the places, folks, taste the food, experience the wonderful place that is
North Carolina. I simply just loved it and could not wait to read on and on.
