The Law of the Dead

by Tess Collins

THE LAW OF THE LAND . . .

Appalachian country was shaped by misty valleys, hardship, mining strikes, and the legacy of the Cherokee people. Now the small Kentucky town of Contrary is being reshaped--by murder.

THE LAW OF THE LIVING . . .

Reconciled to settling down in the community she fled years before, attorney Alma Bashears finds herself embroiled in random acts of violence that soon become chillingly the tragic death of her pregnant cousin, the shooting of a factory owner, the disappearance of a teenage girl. As Alma delves into family secrets, witnesses a preacher's mysterious power, and begins a curious relationship with a handsome stranger, she realizes how much of Contrary she still doesn't know--including a killer who has made himself at home. . . .

THE LAW OF THE DEAD

327 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published May 1, 1999

About the author

A coal miner’s granddaughter, TESS COLLINS was born and raised in a crater. Yes, really, a crater formed by the impact of an asteroid millions of years ago where her hometown, Middlesboro, Kentucky was eventually built. Tess spent her younger years in a one room Carnegie Library reading around the room. She started at BLUEBERRIES FOR SAL and ended with WAR AND PEACE at which time she thought, “I want to do this.”

She is the author of THE LAW OF REVENGE, THE LAW OF THE DEAD, THE LAW OF BETRAYAL, HELEN OF TROY, NOTOWN, THE HUNTER OF HERTHA and SHADOW MOUNTAIN. Her non-fiction book HOW THEATER MANAGERS MANAGE is published by Rowman and Littlefield’s Scarecrow Press. Ms. Collins received a B.A. from the University of Kentucky and a Ph.D. from The Union Institute and University.

Reviews

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book from start to finish. When I get a good thriller and don't know exactly who done it, or possibly more than one who done it with this story, until the end then I have read a good book.

This is actually the 2nd in The Appalachian Trilogy a setting I love to read. Tess Collins is a wonderful author and so far I have loved every one of her books.

This one has a serial killer, kidnapping, love, lives in danger. A bit of everything that keeps me turning the pages to the very end. I just wish I had been more careful and read the 1st book and then this one, but I don't think it will take away from the 1st one so I'm just going to enjoy it.

It is a just a really good 5 star book no doubt. I loved it.. :)

[Susie Fiorito · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book. Tess Collins has become one of my favorites.
Ms. Collins grew up in Middlesboro Ky, located in South Eastern Kentucky in the Appalachian Mountains. My mother grew up just a few miles from there in Williamsburg, Whitley, Kentucky. I have fond memories of the area and Ms. Collins captures the essence of Appalachia masterfully.

Good story that is the sequel to The Law of Revenge.

[Bea · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book just barely misses being a 4* read for me. It kept my interest and had well written complex characters. The only piece that didn't ring exactly right was the quick acceptance by Alma of Ian into her life. It turned out that this relationship was built into the story nicely at the end, but I just do not believe that Alma would have been so quick to take up with him.

[Carrie Garza · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good mystery/murder/small town politics.