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Margaret Maron's Deborah Knott series stands really high in my regard. The series is one of the few "Southern mystery" series that I truly enjoy.Ý In each book in this series, Maron has focused on an issue, or topic. From the broad issues of racism and sexism to hurricanes and furniture, each book has had a specific focus: Uncommon Clay, not surprisingly, focuses on North Carolina's long history of producing famous pottery, from families that go back for generations, taking Randolph County's red clay and creating both art and craft from it. Judge Knott travels to Asheboro to assist in a divorce matter - helping with the "equitable distribution" of a couple's property. While there, a murder takes place and Deborah gets involved. As with all families, there are secrets and as often is the case, those secrets come back to haunt folks. I love pottery and ceramics, and while some readers might find the details uninteresting, I found myself wishing there were more description in this book, because of my heartfelt interest. I know that my pleasure in reading this wonderful series is determined in large part by my interest in the issue offered, and the business of North Carolina's craftspeople really worked for me. The reason for the murder did not work for me. I cannot explain why without spoiling this book for you, but it's just one of those things that I don't buy. I'm not disputing that it probably happens, but it's hard for me to accept, or even believe, so the ending was a let-down for me. Still, the quality of Maron's story-telling, the authenticity of the voice and her ability to observe, and Deborah Knott's intelligence, energy and savvy (someone in this book was a fool, I tell you, and more than that I can't say until you read it) means that I expect that this will be one of several of this series that I will reread with pleasure. -- Editor's Note: This review is based on the hardcover edition published in May 2001.
Reviewed by Andi Shechter, July 2002
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Contact: Yvonne Klein (ymk@reviewingtheevidence.com)
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