A little by the numbers, but an enjoyable "beach read" thriller nonetheless

Whilst it took a while to read, and a while to get in to, it was a thoroughly interesting story and unlike anything I have ever read before.
That said, I don't think I'd pick up the rest of the trilogy.

Initially I gave up after 5%, I found the dialogue difficult to read in the local accent.
Then I picked it up again and loved it. I thought it gave fantastic insights into the awful racial divides of the sixties. It was a long read, having also been released as six volumes, though I had been sent a free copy from Netgalley, all in one volume.
At about 75% though, the story became more and more convoluted and unbelievable. Characters that should have been law abiding were doing wild things and I just gave up. I haven't gone back to it yet, though I may one day. It may suit some people though, and most of it was gripping. Perhaps with some radical editing it could make a better book?

Lengthy book but completely relevant to a wonderful but truly disturbing story about times we'd like to believe no longer exist but sadly still do in the southern states. I couldn't put this book down.

A difficult read about difficult times. Very well described and good characters.

Rating 5/5
Natchez Burning by Greg Isles is a novel that I highly recommend. From start to finish, I was engrossed in this compelling thriller set both in the 1960s and the present day. Very strong, believable characters: even the ones I definitely would stay clear off.
Who do you trust? Who are the egotistical, murderers? Who turns a blind eye? Power, corruption, politics and racism are key to the novel but so are the unsung heroes and those who were victims.
Some political thrillers can be "dry" but not Natchez Burning with the well rounded characters bringing it to life. The perceptively, well thought out plot and writing style shows Greg Iles is a novelist at the top of his game.
I was given a copy of Natchez Burning for an unbiased review. Thank you NetGalley and to you, Greg Iles.

When I first saw this book was around 800 pages long, I wondered how it would manage to keep me interested, however it did succeed. I felt it wasn't bedtime read, I needed to be fully alert and able to give total attention to it, but it was worth it. An uncomfortable read at times, yet really a very good piece of American social history. It was thought provoking and left me pondering about the world we live in for a long time after. I had not read the previous books in this series, but felt this did not hinder my enjoyment and it did work as a stand-alone novel. I think I will go back bad read this author's previous books.

Starting amid the racial tensions of the 60s some brutal and hideous offences are described. These represent the dark introduction to the main thrust of the story when past crimes come to haunt the present.

Starts off interesting enough, despite the horror of the crime but then there is a bit of a slow section where it would be easy to give up. Persevere and you will get to to main story.

Some very dark and depressing themes are involved so can be a tough read but worth it.

Enjoyed the intrigue and the characters. It was a bit graphic at times and I was not crazy about the ending, but it did hold my interest throughout.

As a 65yr old female who enjoys historical fiction this book was definitely out of my comfort zone! Didn't think I would bother with it after reading the first chapter but stuck with it and then could not put it down. I was, however, thankful to have an accessible dictionary to hand as I needed translation regarding some of the Americanisms. I was fascinated by the history behind the story plus the characters and their bonds of friendship really gripped my imagination. The pace actually had me reading faster in places, I found I was speed reading to try and keep up with it! My only niggles, and they are only niggles, was when Regan and Penn fought in the urinal and Penn walked out of the cafe without causing any astounded stares - his appearance had to have been a little unusual plus was a little dubious about the way Henry's mother allowed her beloved broken son to walk out of the hospital! This is definitely one of the best books I have read in a long time. Have already downloaded The Bone Tree.

A huge book with a big story to tell (literally with 791 pages) with extreme violence this is not for the faint-hearted.

Absolutely loved this book, a real page turner and I didn't want to come to the end.

Terrific = a real complicated and thoughtful read that will keep you turning pages. Iles has a way not only with character but equally importantly with plot. This is a big book but it's definitely worth your time.

Thank you for the opportunity to read this book. I have read a lot of books so far this year, but nothing compares to this one. I have no words to describe this book as it's left me speechless. It was absolutely brilliant, great storylines, plot, characters where second to none. Really enjoyed this book. Can't understand why I've never heard of this Author before now.

Compelling insight into the civil rights movement. Mississippi' especially, and the American south come clearer in relation to the 1960's struggles. This portrayal of historical happenings brings the era to life and gives a clearer understanding of the horrors which occurred.

Greg Iles has been bubbling under for years with his Penn Cage series of gothic thrillers but "Natchez Burning" has transported him into the big leagues.

The first of a trilogy dealing with Cage's father, a much loved local doctor accused of murdering his long services nurse.

It is not as Simone as that as this is tied up with racism, black emancipation and the history of the Klu Klux Klan.

This is the first of a trilogy that moves backwards and forwards over a near 40 year period and mixes fact and fiction.

I won't add spoilers but this book is spellbinding and introduces a series of larger than life characters, both good and evil as the tension is racked up to breaking point.

This is an incredible read that does demand some hard work on the part of the reader to remember exactly who is who but it is well worthwhile.

Once you have finished this brilliant book you can then rejoice in the fact that there are two more books in the trilogy for you to devour - and believe me, you will want to do so.

Thanks Netgalley. I have read a few books by this author and have liked every one of them. This was no exception although to be fair quite a long read. Carry on reading to the end it is worth it

Seriously? 850 pages? And it felt like so many more with all the repetitions and in the end I realized that this is the first in a trilogy. What I hadn’t expected was, there is no real ending after this amount of pages. Sometimes I felt like I wanted to skip a few chapters because the paces was so slow. But then I was afraid to miss important details and kept going. I think that the story is an important one and needs to be told. But it didn’t have to be this long! I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK!

Review featured at www.books-n-kisses.com

I requested this book seeing only the name of the author, who is a author I really enjoy, but after reading the description I realized I had already read this book when it came out. This is the fourth in the series of Penn Cage but a trilogy inside the series.

Penn is an interesting character. But since this is a trilogy inside the series you can pick this up and not be confused about the characters. What I enjoyed was how much Penn wants to protect his father but also he needs to prove the truth to everyone.

If you are a fan of suspense Greg Iles is a great author to turn to. Don’t miss this book.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.