Status
Available
Call number
Series
Genres
Publication
New York: Mysterious Press
Description
Fiction. Literature. Mystery. With friends and family over-reacting to her announcement that she plans to marry Sheriff's Deputy Dwight Bryant, Judge Deborah Knott gratefully seizes the opportunity to put a five-hour drive between herself and Colleton County when the Chief District Court Judge offers her a week on the bench in Cedar Gap. It is early autumn, leaves are turning, and summer residents are preparing to close up their mountain "cabins" (palatial houses perched atop the most desirable locations) and return to their winter homes in Florida. But Deborah's peaceful break is disrupted when one Floridian is found murdered. He won't be going home, and Deborah won't be either - until she tracks down the killer.
User reviews
LibraryThing member Joycepa
10th in the Judge Deborah Knott series set in North Carolina.
There is simply too much hullabaloo over Deborah’s upcoming marriage to Dwight, and she gratefully accepts a call to substitute for a judge in the western, piedmont part of the state; escape from all the attention looks real good. She
But Deborah also lands in the middle of a murder investigation. One of the town’s best-known citizens has been murdered, and as a district judge, she sits in on a probable cause hearing for the most likely suspect. Later, she attends a party where the controversy over development produces a heated discussion.
Since she adjudicates other misdemeanors, when she stiffly fines a young college student for drunken behavior, she nearly winds up dead as he tries to force her off a mountain road—with no guard rails. Given a 2nd murder that may or may not be connected to the first, Deborah certainly has her fill of distractions from her upcoming wedding!
This is a good if not spectacular addition to the series. As always, when Maron takes Deborah away from home, she loses the considerable strength and interest that the recurring characters lend to the story. But Maron is still a skillful writer, and has neatly woven controversial issues into her plot—indeed, making them integral to the story instead of an interesting sidebar.
Highly recommended for fans of the series.
There is simply too much hullabaloo over Deborah’s upcoming marriage to Dwight, and she gratefully accepts a call to substitute for a judge in the western, piedmont part of the state; escape from all the attention looks real good. She
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accepts an invitation from one of her many cousins to stay at a condo in Cedar Gap, a consciously cutsey town in the middle of “leaf country”—high mountain area with spectacular views in the fall of the trees as the leaves change. Cedar Gap caters to day tourists as well as seasonal visitors; the latter buy up expensive pieces of mountain property to put up vacation or second homes; the attraction is the rigidly covenanted town, where high-end boutiques, antique stores and the like catr to the tourists and the wealthy.But Deborah also lands in the middle of a murder investigation. One of the town’s best-known citizens has been murdered, and as a district judge, she sits in on a probable cause hearing for the most likely suspect. Later, she attends a party where the controversy over development produces a heated discussion.
Since she adjudicates other misdemeanors, when she stiffly fines a young college student for drunken behavior, she nearly winds up dead as he tries to force her off a mountain road—with no guard rails. Given a 2nd murder that may or may not be connected to the first, Deborah certainly has her fill of distractions from her upcoming wedding!
This is a good if not spectacular addition to the series. As always, when Maron takes Deborah away from home, she loses the considerable strength and interest that the recurring characters lend to the story. But Maron is still a skillful writer, and has neatly woven controversial issues into her plot—indeed, making them integral to the story instead of an interesting sidebar.
Highly recommended for fans of the series.
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LibraryThing member TerryWeyna
Margaret Maron’s recent Judge Deborah Knott North Carolina cozies have been pleasant diversions, easy reading for a plane trip, not really anything special but not bad, either. It’s as if Maron had settled into a comfortable rut that made her and her readers happy – an interesting setting, a
But High Country Fall is different. Sure, it’s another interesting, even beautiful setting: the high country of North Carolina in the middle of leaf peeping season. Maron doesn’t disappoint with her usual skill at making a lovely scene visible, a fall so cool and crisp that you can smell the fallen leaves. The usual humor inherent in the dynamics of Judge Knott’s extended family still makes its appearance in the persons of a couple of ambitious but unscholarly nieces. But there’s more to this book, more than the detailed shopping excursion in the high class tourist town and more than the unfulfilled promise that this time we’ll get a real trial mystery (Judge Knott gets to hear just the preliminary hearing on a murder, not to actually try the case – a trifle disappointing, but it keeping with the series).
This time out there’s a more complex mystery about an old mountain town changing into an upscale retreat for the monied few, with clues fairly laid but often difficult to appreciate as clues. One must read closely and carefully – and it doesn’t hurt to have some knowledge of real estate, business transactions, medicine and the law, either. Even the experienced mystery reader will likely have some difficulty figuring this one out. The characters don’t give up their secrets easily, and many pieces must be assembled before the picture becomes clear.
What sticks with the reader long after the last page is turned, though, is the romance. And that’s a funny thing, because Deborah Knott and her suitor are far apart for 99% of the book. Then again, maybe that’s precisely why the romance comes through so beautifully here; for isn’t romance really intellectual rather than physical, a product of our thoughts, hopes and wishes rather than mere biology? The last chapter of this book is silly and charming and lovely. Anyone who has ever been in love will find her thoughts returning to it again and again.
For the first time in this series, Maron is sounding like the writer of her earlier Sigrid Harald series, though more seasoned with time and experience and their necessary companion, age. Ultimately, this is a grown-up love story, even in its mystery. This one is a real treat for Maron’s many fans.
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guessable puzzle, a bit of romance and a touch of humor, but nothing to challenge the intellect, nothing that really sparks much emotion. But High Country Fall is different. Sure, it’s another interesting, even beautiful setting: the high country of North Carolina in the middle of leaf peeping season. Maron doesn’t disappoint with her usual skill at making a lovely scene visible, a fall so cool and crisp that you can smell the fallen leaves. The usual humor inherent in the dynamics of Judge Knott’s extended family still makes its appearance in the persons of a couple of ambitious but unscholarly nieces. But there’s more to this book, more than the detailed shopping excursion in the high class tourist town and more than the unfulfilled promise that this time we’ll get a real trial mystery (Judge Knott gets to hear just the preliminary hearing on a murder, not to actually try the case – a trifle disappointing, but it keeping with the series).
This time out there’s a more complex mystery about an old mountain town changing into an upscale retreat for the monied few, with clues fairly laid but often difficult to appreciate as clues. One must read closely and carefully – and it doesn’t hurt to have some knowledge of real estate, business transactions, medicine and the law, either. Even the experienced mystery reader will likely have some difficulty figuring this one out. The characters don’t give up their secrets easily, and many pieces must be assembled before the picture becomes clear.
What sticks with the reader long after the last page is turned, though, is the romance. And that’s a funny thing, because Deborah Knott and her suitor are far apart for 99% of the book. Then again, maybe that’s precisely why the romance comes through so beautifully here; for isn’t romance really intellectual rather than physical, a product of our thoughts, hopes and wishes rather than mere biology? The last chapter of this book is silly and charming and lovely. Anyone who has ever been in love will find her thoughts returning to it again and again.
For the first time in this series, Maron is sounding like the writer of her earlier Sigrid Harald series, though more seasoned with time and experience and their necessary companion, age. Ultimately, this is a grown-up love story, even in its mystery. This one is a real treat for Maron’s many fans.
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LibraryThing member FicusFan
Book 10 in the Judge Deborah Knott series. Deborah is again sent to another NC location. Up in the mountains where they have attracted tourists with clean air, wonderful scenery, changing leaves, and rigid zoning. Filling in for the local judge on vacation she gets involved when a local prominent
Another great book. More info on the packaging and selling of the past and traditions of NC. In particular small family farms and homesteads that families can't afford to keep anymore because the property value and taxes shoot up with the influx of money, outsiders and developments. This book takes particular aim at those places that try to stop time, and zone everything from building color to sign type. When preservation become kitsch.
In her personal life, Deborah and her long time pal Deputy Sheriff Dwight (they grew up together) have become engaged. It is a convenience for both of them.
Dwight is divorced, and both are lonely and tired of being alone and dealing with bozos trying to find the 'right one'. They decide that since they like each other, and after testing it out, since there is a physical spark, they will marry. The engagement happened at the end of the last book, and there are glimmers that all is not what they expected it would be.
Deborah is nervous and worried about having to deal with the reaction of her family. Because it is not a love match, she doesn't want a lot of fuss. Her family of course, not knowing that love is not the reason, and since she is the only girl and they all know and love Dwight, are fussing in a major way. Through much of the book it seems she is developing cold feet.
Another great book filled with interesting characters and a great setting. The mystery is minor until the end when it becomes a thriller. Love the Dwight development and was very worried it would lapse.
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man is murdered. His death brings to light the seething nastiness underneath the enforced quaintness.Another great book. More info on the packaging and selling of the past and traditions of NC. In particular small family farms and homesteads that families can't afford to keep anymore because the property value and taxes shoot up with the influx of money, outsiders and developments. This book takes particular aim at those places that try to stop time, and zone everything from building color to sign type. When preservation become kitsch.
In her personal life, Deborah and her long time pal Deputy Sheriff Dwight (they grew up together) have become engaged. It is a convenience for both of them.
Dwight is divorced, and both are lonely and tired of being alone and dealing with bozos trying to find the 'right one'. They decide that since they like each other, and after testing it out, since there is a physical spark, they will marry. The engagement happened at the end of the last book, and there are glimmers that all is not what they expected it would be.
Deborah is nervous and worried about having to deal with the reaction of her family. Because it is not a love match, she doesn't want a lot of fuss. Her family of course, not knowing that love is not the reason, and since she is the only girl and they all know and love Dwight, are fussing in a major way. Through much of the book it seems she is developing cold feet.
Another great book filled with interesting characters and a great setting. The mystery is minor until the end when it becomes a thriller. Love the Dwight development and was very worried it would lapse.
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LibraryThing member bookswoman
I love Deborah Knott and the cast of characters that she encounters. In this book she is again loaned out to another district to substitute for a vacationing judge. This time she is in the mountains of North Carolina (for those of you on DorothyL think Kaye Barley) and gets involved in a murder, or
As usual there are several twists and turns, I had an bit of an idea who "did it", but the actual reasons totally passed me by.
I'll be visiting with Deborah and her kin again soon.
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two. The scenery and hills of the mountains are so vividly portrayed that you feel like you are visiting them yourself.As usual there are several twists and turns, I had an bit of an idea who "did it", but the actual reasons totally passed me by.
I'll be visiting with Deborah and her kin again soon.
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LibraryThing member dukefan86
I think I've read this one before, but hadn't marked it on Goodreads, so I enjoyed listening to it on CD in my car. Loved the NC mountain setting, different from the eastern NC setting normally in the series. Interesting cast of characters, and nice to see Deborah and Dwight finally come together.
LibraryThing member DanieXJ
I think this is towards the top of my top five books in the Knott series. The mystery is pretty simple. Deborah goes up to the Mountains of North Carolina to sub for a judge (this is an 'Away' Knott novel). And first she gets to preside over the probably cause hearing of the alleged killer of a
No. The best part of the book is the Deb/Dwight subplot again and this time Dwight isn't even physically present for most of the story, though at the same time he seems to be the undercurrent in every Deborah scene.
Maron simply and without a bit of a reasonable doubt knows how to write characters so that the reader roots for them or against them or whatever is needed in the story line. They're rich and deep and multi-layered.
This novel also had a bit of a thriller feel at some parts to me, but, perhaps that's because the entire novel takes place literally on the side of a mountain. And also because of the Dwight/Deb drama the novel takes place on an emotional precipice also. Solid four stars.
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prominent doctor who died and fell or down the mountain, then she's at the party when one of the dead Doctor's friends goes missing. There are some interesting twists and turns along the way, but the solution isn't terribly surprising.No. The best part of the book is the Deb/Dwight subplot again and this time Dwight isn't even physically present for most of the story, though at the same time he seems to be the undercurrent in every Deborah scene.
Maron simply and without a bit of a reasonable doubt knows how to write characters so that the reader roots for them or against them or whatever is needed in the story line. They're rich and deep and multi-layered.
This novel also had a bit of a thriller feel at some parts to me, but, perhaps that's because the entire novel takes place literally on the side of a mountain. And also because of the Dwight/Deb drama the novel takes place on an emotional precipice also. Solid four stars.
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LibraryThing member DrLed
Synopsis: Deborah is filling in for a judge in the hills of Cedar Gap. It's fall and the leaves have drawn all sorts of tourists to the area, along with those folks who are looking for a second home. There have been two murders and Deborah is involved because she has ruled that a young man should
Review: This is a nicely crafted book with an interesting plot.
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be bound over for the first murder. Her two nieces believe that the young man is innocent and they are investigating. Deborah nearly loses her life because of a murderous young man, and the time she is trapped in the car gives her time to think about who the real murderer could be.Review: This is a nicely crafted book with an interesting plot.
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LibraryThing member jamespurcell
The Judge needs a time out from the family and community maelstrom created when she and Dwight announce their engagement. A fortuitous temporary assignment to the most Northwest corner of North Carolina. A previous death and a disappearance, the night of her arrival, of two local movers and
An attempt o her life gives her plenty of time to ponder the clues and the crimes while sawing her way out of her seatbelt with her door key. But her time away does enable her to come to a decision about life with Dwight.
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shakers. She tries to maintain her distance but gets drawn in by her ditsy but nice twin nices.An attempt o her life gives her plenty of time to ponder the clues and the crimes while sawing her way out of her seatbelt with her door key. But her time away does enable her to come to a decision about life with Dwight.
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LibraryThing member jepeters333
In her newest novel featuring popular Judge Deborah Knott, multiple-prize winning author Margaret Maron explores the achingly beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, where leaves are turning...and corpses are deadly still. No one is more surprised than Judge Deborah Knott by her engagement to her childhood
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friend Dwight Bryant. Stressed out by the impending marriage, Deborah agrees to fill in for a vacationing judge in the hills of Cedar Gap. With its fresh mountain air and gorgeous fall foliage, it's the perfect place to clear her head...until a local doctor is brutally murdered. Presiding over the probable cause case against the main suspect, Deborah decides the trial can proceed. But when a second person is killed, Deborah begins to look at this case-and her relationship with Dwight-with more critical eyes. And if she fails to notice the fast approaching darkness, she could end up as another corpse in the High Country fall... Show Less
Subjects
Awards
Macavity Award (Nominee — Novel — 2005)
Agatha Award (Nominee — Novel — 2004)
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2004
ISBN
0892968087 / 9780892968084