Nadine (23dollars) - reviewed on 6/6/2014 + 432 more book reviews

The Virgin of Small Plains was the May 2014 pick in my neighborhood book club.

It tells the story of a small Kansas town where a young girl was found dead but was never claimed. Strange events ensued after the night the body was found, and the details are revealed incrementally to the reader as the story goes on.

I heard this book won an Agatha Christie award, which is surprising, because it isn't a very intelligent mystery at all. I found things pretty transparent and predictable, and others just plain contrived - such a character who had no good reason to incriminate himself keeping quiet about the truth all those years. It just wasn't plausible.

There was also a dual timeline and blending of genres that felt awkward, rather than seamless.

I think I would recommend an author like Emily Richards before I recommended Nancy Pickard. Emily writes more quality mysteries.

For a strong opening that got my interest, I give The Virgin of Small Plains a C.

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