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Hazard
When a block of coal the size of a stove shoots out of the wall, miner Amos Blevins barely has time to react before the entire area is flooded with water. He frantically tries to rescue his crewmates, but in an underground space that is pitch black and too cramped to even stand up, he can barely crawl to safety himself. Inspector Will Murphy is sent to investigate, ordered...more
Hardcover, 368 pages
Published
March 16th 2010
by Minotaur Books
(first published 2010)
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Hazard, Kentucky is a small town. The biggest revenue for this town is the mine. Amos Blevin and several other men were working down in the mines when a cave in happened. Amos rescued his fellow co-workers. Inspector Will Murphy has been sent to investigate the cave in. It seems to be an accident but then why does it seem that the local authorities are hiding something including Will’s brother? Will investigation will lead him to a place where the truth just may hurt him. There is no turning bac...more
Though I really enjoyed this book, I have had sci-fi and computer-geek books that didn't go over my head as much as some parts of this book did. I wouldn't say that a working knowledge of coal mining and its language are a must, but it would definitely work to your advantage. Aside from that, the tension between characters was great and I couldn't wait to see how they were resolved, the sub-plots woven throughout the book were entertaining and did not distract from the overall plot and there was...more
A story about coal mining in Kentucky. Jeez, I learned more than I cared to know about the hazards, politics and history of coal mining. I have a greater appreciation for the men who have spent their lives and often ruined their health, digging it out of the earth. I understand now, why my grandfather left the silver mines and moved his family from the Tintic mining area of Utah so his sons would never have to go into a mine for a living.
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Good blending of what seemed like more than 1 storyline throughout the book of mining disasters, family guilt, Appalachian traditions, etc. It was of particular interest to me since years ago I had traveled to Hazard KY as a "union rep" for my hospital so I could picture the "hollers" and hear the accents in my head.
A well-written first novel set against the back drop of a Kentucky coal mine. The author knows his subject well, and although the mystery elements are a bit predictable (even if the protagonist doesn't get it), the characters are well-drawn, making this an enjoyable, taut read.
Although it has some interesting characters and a pretty well-crafted community (both of which are very important), the mystery was no mystery. Additionally, some of the characters seemed too stereotypical or played-out (the drunk hero, for instance).
I'm a little biased on this, but this is a fantastic, gritty, realistic contemporary noir with loads of detail about coal mining and life in Appalachia and a gripping family drama at its core. My mind is often pulled back to particular scenes--very memorable.
The book delivers a well-plotted, fast-paced mystery and something a little bit deeper to think about after turning the final page.
See my full review at:
http://susancoventry.blogspot.com/201...
See my full review at:
http://susancoventry.blogspot.com/201...
Somewhat uneven pacing, but it kept me engaged. Authentic-feeling portrait of a town and family in Kentucky's Appalachia region. Also a disturbing portrait of the coal-mining industry.
Did not like the story or the writing. Couldn't finish the book, although I did read the last chapter to see how it ended.
Sep 26, 2010
TeriC
added it
A very interesting book about coal mining, mystery, greed and families.
Graphic, gritty hillbilly mystery
I picked this book because it was nominated "Readers Choice" at my local library. I was not impressed from the beginning but kept plowing ahead to find the jem so many other local readers had found. Sadly, I did not find it. I found the book tedious, the characters unrealistic, and the plot slow with the end predictable too soon in the story.
Mar 06, 2013
Monika Kornakow
marked it as to-read
Mar 04, 2013
Danielle
marked it as to-read
Dec 10, 2012
Eric
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Dec 10, 2012
Teresa
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Dec 07, 2012
Johanna
marked it as to-read
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