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Search - The Ballad of Frankie Silver
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Book Description:
From New York Times bestselling author Sharyn McCrumb comes the fifth novel set in the Appalachian wilderness blending legends and folklore with high suspense.
Spencer Arrowood was a young, untried deputy sheriff when his testimony helped convict a Tennessee youth for the brutal slaying of two hikers along the Appalachian Trail. Now, twenty years later, Spencer receives an invitation to an execution. After two decades on death row, a date has finally been set to strap Fate Harkryder into the chair and throw the switch. But time has eroded Spencer's moral certainty of guilt and raised the specter of another murder. Over a century ago, it is said that a man was murdered in his sleep, that a young wife and mother was accused of the crime, and that on the gallows her last words were silenced by her father's order. In 1833 Frankie Silver became the first woman in North Carolina to be hanged for murder. But what really happened so long ago becomes an obsession for Spencer Arrowood as the parallels between Frankie and Fate, between two crimes more than a hundred years apart, become as clear--and as shocking--as the single truth that joins two condemned souls. Suddenly, Spencer Arrowood is engaged in a race against time to keep history from happening all over again, and to save the life of a man who just may be innocent after all.
Praise for The Ballad Of Frankie Silver:
"...a dense and lovely but very dark design that illustrates the social hypocrisy of the legal system as much as the harshness of mountain justice--then and now."-- The New York Times Book Review
"Reading a novel by Sharyn McCrumb is like listening to the movements of a symphony."--BookPage
"This novel will pass the test of time and be considered a classic in the years to come."--Harriet Klausner
"Sharyn McCrumb has dug more riches out of the Appalachians than some miners."-- Sunday World-Herald
Spencer Arrowood was a young, untried deputy sheriff when his testimony helped convict a Tennessee youth for the brutal slaying of two hikers along the Appalachian Trail. Now, twenty years later, Spencer receives an invitation to an execution. After two decades on death row, a date has finally been set to strap Fate Harkryder into the chair and throw the switch. But time has eroded Spencer's moral certainty of guilt and raised the specter of another murder. Over a century ago, it is said that a man was murdered in his sleep, that a young wife and mother was accused of the crime, and that on the gallows her last words were silenced by her father's order. In 1833 Frankie Silver became the first woman in North Carolina to be hanged for murder. But what really happened so long ago becomes an obsession for Spencer Arrowood as the parallels between Frankie and Fate, between two crimes more than a hundred years apart, become as clear--and as shocking--as the single truth that joins two condemned souls. Suddenly, Spencer Arrowood is engaged in a race against time to keep history from happening all over again, and to save the life of a man who just may be innocent after all.
Praise for The Ballad Of Frankie Silver:
"...a dense and lovely but very dark design that illustrates the social hypocrisy of the legal system as much as the harshness of mountain justice--then and now."-- The New York Times Book Review
"Reading a novel by Sharyn McCrumb is like listening to the movements of a symphony."--BookPage
"This novel will pass the test of time and be considered a classic in the years to come."--Harriet Klausner
"Sharyn McCrumb has dug more riches out of the Appalachians than some miners."-- Sunday World-Herald
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Other Versions of this Book: Hardcover, Audio Cassette (Unabridged), Hardcover
Top Member Reviews
4 member(s) found this review helpful.
I didn't like this book as much as the others
Bonnie S. (
3 member(s) found this review helpful.
My favorite of this author's Ballad Series. A beautiful, tragic mystery novel set in Appalachia, based on fact, that moves between this century and the last.
3 member(s) found this review helpful.
Sharyn McCrumb is one of my favorite authors. Both her "Elizabeth McPherson" series and her "Applachain foklore" series are wonderful. McCrumb takes a (true) story from the past and weaves it seamlessly with a story from today. Her charachters are detailed and interesting and the settings are haunting and real. If you like a wonderful story, history, folklore and a little bit of mystisism, try out one of her books. The stories contain recurring charachters but you do not need to read them in order. This story is one of my top three of hers.
Sandra S. wrote on 4/26/2007...
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
Looks behind the myth/history to see truth. A typical McCrumb novel, well written and absorbing.
Nancy R. from HILLSBORO, KS wrote on 8/19/2006...
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
This is a well written book - two stories told at once. The author goes between a modern day sheriff and his involvement with a murder case and the historic tale of Frankie Silver. She is the first woman in North Carolina to be hung for murder. The author does a good job of weaving the stories together and keeping me intrigued with both.
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
I love Sharyn McCrumb..............I have YET to read a book by her I have not liked!
Gaylene G. (
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
Excellent!
Kenneth K. from NARBERTH, PA wrote on 12/21/2005...
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
Captures the flavor of Appalachia's past and present. The author juxtaposses the historical event of the first woman hanged in North Carolina over a hundred years ago with a present day crime.
Sandra V. (
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
I am not normally a Mystery reader but I enjoy a good Sharyn McCrumb novel. Compelling plot and engaging characters.
Jane J. (
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
This book is wonderful.............it haunted me for weeks after I read it! I intend to read it again...........to really appreciate the depth of her writing.
Rate These Member Reviews
The fifth book in Sharyn McCrumb's inthralling series of Appalachian mountain tales!
In 1833 Frankie Silver became the first woman in North Carolina to be hanged for murder. But what really happened so long ago becomes an obsession for Sherrif Spencer Arrowood, as the parallels between two crimes more than a hundred years apart become as clear - and as shocking - as the single truth that joins two condemmed souls...
"The fifth book in Sharyn McCrumb's inthralling series of Appalachian mountain tales, invites us to pull up a quilt and turn our faces to the fire....dense and lovely."
Teresa H. from MEMPHIS, TN wrote on 4/20/2006...This book was given to me by a friend, and I have not read it.
Barbara B. (In 1833 Frankie Silver became the first woman in North Carolina to be hanged for murder. But what really happened so long ago becomes an obsession for Sherrif Spencer Arrowood, as the parallels between two crimes more than a hundred years apart become as clear - and as shocking - as the single truth that joins two condemmed souls.
Spencer Arrowood was a young, untried deputy sheriff when his testimony helped convict a Tennessee youth for the brutal slaying of two hikers along the Appalachian Trail. Now, twenty years later, Spencer receives an invitation to an execution. After two decades on death row, a date has finally been set to strap Fate Harkryder into the chair and throw the switch. But time has eroded Spencer's moral certainty of guilt and raised the specter of another murder. Over a century ago, it is said that a man was murdered in his sleep, that a young wife and mother was accused of the crime, and that on the gallows her last words were silenced by her father's order. In 1833 Frankie Silver became the first woman in North Carolina to be hanged for murder. But what really happened so long ago becomes an obsession for Spencer Arrowood as the parallels between Frankie and Fate, between two crimes more than a hundred years apart, become as clear -- and as shocking -- as the single truth that joins two condemned souls. Suddenly, Spencer Arrowood is engaged in a race against time to keep history from happening all over again, and to save the life of a man who just may be innocent after all.