Heather’s Bookshelf: Dead Tree Tales
Author: Rush Leaming
Released: 06/08/21
Genre: Crime Thriller
“A saltwater breeze moved through the reeds and cattails of the marshes on Johns Island. A great blue heron, its long neck bending and twisting in search of food, walked along the edge of the peat mud. A sweet, partially sulfurous odor swirled in the air, as “nature’s filter” did its job, trapping sediment and waste, cleaning the creeks and pools where rivers met the ocean. Not far away, just over a line of cypress and oak trees draped with garlands of gray Spanish moss, rose what was left of Addison’s Oak. ”
“Dead Tree Tales” is set in Charleston, SC where a thousand-year-old tree has been poisoned. While on the scene, Detectives Charlie Harper and Elena Vasquez find evidence of a murder (including a severed finger) and set out to investigate both crimes and any relation between the two.
Meanwhile, Jim has served 10 terms as Mayor of Charleston and is ready to retire until his son, Len reveals his own political aspirations. Jim and Len have very different political views with followings to match. The differences turn violent and result in dangerous and terrible occurrences that shake the whole city.
The connection between the political strife, the dying tree, the severed finger, and many of the main characters are revealed throughout the investigation and relationships within the tale.
Trigger Warning: adult/racist language, racism, rape, murder, assault, insinuation of child abuse, sexual situations
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It is not a light-hearted story and covers many hot button topics that are the forefront of many news outlets and dinner tables today. Not only did I relate to many of the challenging conversations and views, I also found a connection to the setting. Living in Jacksonville Florida (one of the cities mentioned in the story), many of the environmental and cultural details hit home. The mystery and crime investigation were detailed enough to be realistic while not making me bored with details. But the main thing I really liked about this story was that a majority of the main characters have both good and bad qualities. Most fall within the morally gray area and ensure more realistic and relatable behaviors. Don’t get me wrong, there are some really morally bankrupt people in this story (no matter their pasts or motivations) that I truly loathed by the end of the tale. But there are also enough people trying their best that keep you rooting for something good to go their way. The main detectives were especially well developed as was Mayor Jim and his son Len. The love story between the mayor and his late wife was truly touching as was the love between parent and child seen throughout. The author also ties in backgrounds and side stories of the characters that make them seem all the more real while not bogging down the main mystery. The ending ties everything up nicely and left me satisfied in it’s completeness. The tale is controversial, emotional, and thought-provoking: Well done.
I received a copy of this story in exchange of a fair and honest review.
OVERALL REVIEW:
A well-written and character-forward crime tale incorporating many of the political and social issues of today
Want to learn more about the author?
Check out my interview with Rush Leaming
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