Rate this book

As The Crow Dies (2011)

by Ken Casper(Favorite Author)

3.43 of 5 Votes: 1

languge

English

genre

Mystery & Thriller

publisher

Bell Bridge Books

series

"Jason Crow" West Texas Mystery

review 1: Interesting story of a Vietnam War Veteran who lost both legs above the knee and was told he wouldn't have enough stump left to be able to use a prostheses effectively. This prognosis was especially hard on Jason Crow as he had been a High School Football legend with an apparent future in professional football. His father wouldn't acknowledge this limit and insisted his son would be able to walk if he really wanted to. Jason trusted his father's opinion over the experts and dedicated his efforts to overcoming his loss of legs. When his father is killed and the police insisted it was suicide and refused to investigate, Jason with his friend and shadow, Zack Merchant. Adjusting to the handicaps and apparent pity that he viewed in the eyes of everyone he encountered was ... morepart of the challenge Jason needed to deal with. This story is one of contrasts that play Jason's former physical prowess against his now missing limbs and limited mobility along with his slowly acknowledging the effects of his injury and the life adjustments he must make to become independent. Initial self pity doesn't work with his intent to venerate his father and find the murderer who killed him. Jason's investigation run up against the prejudices of deep south where his father's black partner and sister's affection for the black son of his father's partner turned the whole community against them, especially the landed white affluent. Jason's tribulations and even physical altercations kept piling up as he learned of his mother's intent to divorce his father and further her intent to donate their common ranch property to a "Jim Jones" style minister and his church. Worse was his amnesia of the details of his injury. He kept flashing on elements of that event but, couldn't unravel the details. He also agonized over how his love interest would react to his missing limbs and whether he would still be able to consummate a marriage if she was still willing. Actual and imagined limitations plagued Jason but, he plunged ahead regardless. The twists in the story and the southern West Texas characters gave the plot plenty of shades. Jason manages against all odds and the surprise ending is a jewel. The twists and actions never cease. Deserves to be read more than once to fully appreciate the nuances. Treat yourself and get this book!
review 2: This was a really engrossing murder mystery. I always like my mysteries written in the first person, so I am seeing the clues through the eyes of the protagonist and filtering them through his personality and life experiences. That way I never know more than the protagonist, and it also makes me identify heavily with him, experiencing his confusion, fearing his fears. Such a writing style is perfect for this story, which is both character and plot-driven. The writer really put you in Jason's shoes--well, not quite--since most of the time he wasn't wearing any. He is still adjusting to the fact that he is a double amputee, his dreams of playing NFL football are over, and he is doubting his worthiness as a man, and in this vulnerable state he comes home to find out his beloved father murdered, his draft-dodger brother strung out on drugs, and his mother a shell of herself and apparently slipping into insanity. But that is just the beginning of the troubles he finds tumbling all around him, and he seems to be on the verge of losing everything that matters. Can all these events be coincidence or are they related in some way--if so, which ones? So begins a very complex knot that needs unraveling. I did feel, when all was said and done, that there were too many coincidences, which made it seem less than believable, that the villain could orchestrate his nefarious plot all by himself. I had three people pegged as villains in cahoots but, sigh, was only correct about one. Can't win 'em all. This was a very promising beginning to the series. less

Download links for: As the Crow Dies

Advertising