Disappearing Dimples

Flavia has competition for my favorite historical cozy. A new books shelf cruising find I enjoyed this one far more than I expected at first. It looked cute, but in reality it was well written, an unusual glance at the time period and setting, full of realistic and authentic characters, and a book about teachers that warmed the cockles of my spinster school marm heart. And you thought I never had anything nice to say about anything, didn't you?

Set in rural Georgia on the home front in 1942 it is definitely historical fiction and a mystery, and the mystery, set in war time has an element of the spy story in it. To term it Southern gothic may be a stretch, however there is a Ma and Pa Kettle aspect to the dialect and characters that sets it apart. Charlie, the heroine is a school teacher, and not exactly the detective. Miss Dimple the true spinster school marm and beloved first grade teacher goes missing right before Thanksgiving, so in-between making Pilgrim hats and bidding soldiers farewell the school staff have to figure out where she went. 

THe story is interesting because even though Charlie is the main character it jumps around a lot, changing perspective often. In a way Charlie doesn't solve the mystery, its a group effort. Like everything else the town folk all chip in to help save the day. Its very sweet, almost threatening to get saccharin sweet at times, but if you've ever lived in a small town its very true to life. These people really do exist. Interwoven are lots of details regarding the hardships of life, from rationing to sending off beloved soldiers. Charlie faces a conflict between wanting to stay loyal to her GI beau and falling for her best friend's flame. Te love story stays light and helps to relieve some of the tension. Miss Dimple herself shines as the beacon of reason and practicality, in fact her scenes are some of the funniest. I was surprised to see that many reviewers sort of slammed this one (then again they like a lot of books I loathe) most seemed to think that the author pigeon-holed herself, writing a book that appealed to only a very specific audience. I can't really say, I've never read a mystery set in that time and place before. I though it was fresh and very cute. It made me show my dimples.

Don't Be Afraid of the Beautiful Darkness

In the fall I read Beautiful Creatures, Book One of the Caster Chronicles in an epic marathon read. I perhaps should have taken more time because as I started to read Beautiful Darkness barely two months later I was like, huh? I don't remember that happening. The finale of the first (and second) books is very fast paced and things can easily slip through the cracks (especially with a headcase like me).

One of many series built on the very loose idea of the Twilight saga (very loose meaning it has something to do with the supernatural, a love story, and it has a black cover to let you know it). Thankfully, this series in general, has a couple of things  going for it. First the male protagonist and narrator gives the book a certain edge, even if readers may have doubts what two middle aged women know about the mind of a seventeen-year-old boy. Far less whiny than the myriad of angsty teenage girls its a welcome relief even if he is lost in love. THe tension feels less drama-queen and more realistic (in spite of the demons, casters, incubi, and magical animals that can guide you into visions) perhaps because of all that. Knowing what has happened in the first book, which you will not understand Beautiful Darkness without, makes the loe connection make sense even in the moments that have you smacking your forehead.

If I had to pick my favorite thing about the Caster Chronicles, which despite appearances I do really enjoy, it that they are a true modern Southern Gothic. I've had a weak spot for Southern Gothic since I first John Berent's Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil in nonfiction and Faulkner's A Rose for Emily in fiction, and have read it ever since. It is a genre that is difficult to define, because the supernatural element (Stohl's area of expertise according to the author page) is not necessary to create it, however a certain amount of darkness is. The Deep South seems to have a mystique of its own, created by magnolias and moonlight, creole and cotillions, voodoo, religious fervor and sin all intermingle in a intangible and complex backstory. Certainly there are a number of Southern Gothic out there, however this one is fascinating because it is completely modern and still it works and is equally eerie and fascinating. 

Overall this book is a good mix, strongly young adult, but not out of the question for adults (hey the Twilight Moms read it). THe new characters, Liv and John Breed lend a edge to the story that distinguishes it from Book One, and those enraptured by the supernaturals will be drawn further into the Caster world. I can't help but admire the dedication and skill of the team of writers, as a solo activity writing is a challenge, it must take some serious dedication to write with a good friend and have that writing meld so well. Don't be afraid, there's some beautiful things out there in the dark.