THE DEVIL’S FEATHER
Posted by: gary
A week ago my crime fiction book discussion group started its new season with an author whose work we have been reading, one book each round. Her name is Minette Walters and we have worked our way up to her 2005 title, The Devil’s Feather.
This is a rather challenging story to read as it deals with a woman damaged by her experiences as a war correspondent and an incident in Baghdad when she is held captive and then released. If that were not bad enough for her, doubts are raised about the truth behind her days in captivity and she fears her captor may still be stalking her.
She heads off to Dorset to hide out only to find that the house she has let is haunted by the history of the woman who used to live there and her neighbors are as disturbed as she is. Because this is a thriller, we know that eventually bad things are going to happen and they do. What makes this book so interesting is that there are still one hundred pages to go in the book after the bad things happen, meaning there is more to tell here than what would be found in a run of the mill thriller that takes the easy way out.
We had a great discussion dealing with all the issues raised in this book. It evolved into what I call a tennis match: I just sat back and watched the discussion, looking from one person to another, as they enjoyed each other and the book. I hope you will give Minette Walters a try for your book discussions.
October 6th, 2009 at 4:12 pm
I haven’t read this particular book, but I certainly second the choice of ANYTHING by Minette Walters for book groups. Her mysteries are always brimming with great characters and discussion-worthy social justice issues. Try The Sculptress, and The Scold’s Bridle, and The Shape of Snakes, and… oh, just try her!
October 7th, 2009 at 8:16 pm
I’m in the middle of Chameleon’s Shadow and am enthralled by Minette as well as the story, so much so that I visited her website today to learn more about her. How’s that for coincidence that you should mention her on your blog.
I found out that the first 5 books were made adapted for television by the BBC. I was so dispappointed to find out they are only available in a set in region 2 format. A help forum suggested I buy a cheap dvd player that would play that region and I just may.
I was also interested in your crime book discussion group. I’d like to know more, what you’re reading, how often you meet, the make-up of the group, etc.