Natchez Burning: A Novel

I love Greg Iles' books. And this one is no exception: it has lived up to my expectations as a well written, gripping novel. I haven't given it a five-star rating because the plot bogs down occasionally and that "can't put it down" feeling is turned into "get on with it." It's 788 pages and I feel it would have been better pared down and tightened up a little.Even so, it's a fascinating read with a much needed spotlight on unsolved race murders in Louisiana and southwest Mississippi during the 1960s. It's great to have him back and writing as well as ever.

Iles has become too involved in writing Natchez history, he forgets readers might not have his passion or patience. Too long. The first Pen Cage novel remains the best. Every book since has been an anti climax. Read it if you are a die hard fan.

Those familiar with Greg Iles' enormously interesting books probably have read this one. If one has not had the chance, treat yourself. His books are long, but he has a Baldaccian talent for executing a complicated and compelling plot line. First rate.

Greg Iles is a wonderful writer. Love this trilogyCharacter of Penn Cage you just want him to be real

Like the other books featuring Penn Cage, i found this a fascinating tale. This book is the first in a trilogy. Not that there is any clue in the book that this is the case, nor in the next book (Bone Tree). Only in the final book do you find out this is what it was. Maybe the tale developed as it went along and just kept growing?This is a long book at over 800 pages. Not that it feels overly long when you are reading it, just a great tale that keeps on giving. some commentators have said it's too long but i really did not find that. think of it this way: if a normal book, of around 300 pages, is a film, then this book is a 4 part mini TV series. once you realise that it is not going to be snappily wrapped up in a few moments then it makes more sense.This tale is set in the present day, influenced by events from the mid 1960s. I really liked the historical detail, this being a period that (as a Brit) i had scant knowledge about.It is nicely paced, lots of characters with a complicated story to tell. whilst i am in no position to comment on the historical context, it feels authentic and convincing.I enjoyed this, i hope you might too