Natchez Burning audiobook

My god, have I been living under a rock? How is it I have not read one of this man’s books before now? Further still, something, rang familiar, but what? A quick scan of my physical shelves gave it up. I have another one of Iles books languishing there as yet unread. Let me tell you that will change. It’s true; I wanted to like this book. I was not however, prepared to be knocked off my socks, but I was. This man writes with the absolute authority of someone who knows well, his landscape, but he still wants you to meet its people, gradually, over time, as the story builds. Which it does, every page led to the next and even though I knew I should stop reading right then, I could not talk myself into doing so. With each page the story grew, with me held firmly in its claws, my eyes burning every time I put it down! “If a man is forced to choose between the truth and his father, only a fool chooses the truth. “ A great writer said that and for a long time I agreed with him. But put into practice, this adage could cloak almost any sin. My Mother would agree with it, but I doubt my older sister would, and my fiancée would scoff at the idea. Perhaps we expect too much of our fathers. Nothing frightens me more than the faith in my daughter’s eyes. How many men deserve that kind of trust?It is set in modern day Natchez, Mississippi. It is Penn Cage’s story really, he is mayor of Natchez and the son of Dr. Tom Cage, who is a pillar; beloved by the community. He is also a suspect in the recent death of his former nurse, Viola, an African American with whom he worked in the early 1960’s, during a time of racial unrest, a time of the KKK ; Martin Luther King, President John F Kennedy, Robert Kennedy and yes, local justice. In order to help his father, Penn will need to know what really happened here, a long time ago. And his Dad is not talking. I double dog dare you to put it down!

5 Stars.A Riveting and Monumental Beginning to an Incredible Trilogy.Natchez Burning is an epic story of family, friends, the KKK, an off shoot group called the Double Eagles and race relations in the South. How far each group will go to take care of and protect each other. Loyalties are tested. And the past refuses to stay buried. At the heart of this story is Penn Cage, the Mayor of Natchez, Mississippi and his father, Dr. Tom Cage. Penn is a former prosecutor. His dad, Dr. Cage is an old school doctor who still makes house calls and treats everyone the same, regardless of their skin color, which is very rare in Natchez and was even rarer back when Dr. Cage was a young physician. Race relations in the South have always been tumultuous, but back in the mid 60’s? It was downright scary and in this series, it still is. The Double Eagles have made sure of that. Viola Turner, is Dr. Cage’s former nurse who is afflicted with terminal cancer. Here, she returns to Natchez from Chicago to die. Not wanting to suffer, she turns to Dr. Cage for help. Years prior, she and Tom Cage were engaged in an illicit affair. Illicit because she is black and he is not. And he was and is married. And in Natchez in the 60’s that was wholly unacceptable. Yet Viola was warned by the Double Eagles to never return to Natchez, Mississippi. And she didn’t listen. And now Dr. Cage is accused of performing physician assisted suicide on his former nurse. Viola’s son, Lincoln Turner wants Dr. Cage to suffer for his crimes and his anger burns something fierce.Penn is swept up in trying to prove his father’s innocence while taking care of his daughter Annie and spending time with his girlfriend Caitlin Masters, the newspaper journalist and publisher (and Pulitzer prize winner), who can’t help but investigate the crimes of the Double Eagles, while working to help Dr. Cage as well, much to Penn’s chagrin. Adding to this delightful story is another reporter, Henry Sexton, who has dedicated his life to solving old crimes from the civil rights era, which puts him in terrible danger. He is tenacious and crazy brave. (Translation: I heart him!). Penn Cage has always believed in right and wrong. In the strength of family. In his father. His beliefs are tested. Nothing is what it seems. When his father gets arrested, Penn Cage is forced to examine everything he holds dear and the life he thought he knew like the back of his hand. Penn discovers that Natchez was and is the site of the violent race crimes involving the Double Eagles, and that Viola Turner was a victim of their heinous acts, as were several others including civil rights activists, Luther Davis and Jimmy Revels (brother of Viola Turner). This leads Penn down a path he never anticipated.. one that weaves a conspiracy involving parts of American History. He discovers that his father has kept secrets for years.. and that he doesn’t know him as well as he thought he did. Natchez Burning is masterful storytelling. Not once does the story suffer from being long or drawn out. .. not once does the reader lose interest. You are glued to every single page. Though the story contains race relations and racial violence Greg Iles handles those moments quite skillfully. This is a powerfully, ambitious novel that pulls you in at the get go. It would be a shame to pass it by. It is Greg Iles at his best my friends. *If you have not read any of Greg Iles other novels, Penn Cage and Dr. Tom Cage have been characters in four of Greg Iles other books, however, you do not need to read the other Penn Cage novels to read this trilogy. These can be read as STANDALONES.For those of you that don’t know, while writing Natchez Burning, Greg Iles was in a horrible accident that caused him to have one of his legs partially amputated. Yet somehow, he overcame, persevered and finished this stellar novel and went on to finished this Trilogy. Talk about Strength. I am amazed. And these books did not suffer (they are in fact the BEST trilogy/Series, I have ever read in my lifetime). Like I said, THIS IS GREG ILES AT HIS BEST! HATS OFF TO YOU SIR! Review of Mississippi Blood to Follow.Published on Goodreads & Amazon on 4/7/17.

Natchez Burning by Greg Iles is a 2014 William Morrow publication. I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher and Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.Since we last caught up with Penn Cage, his father has survived a heart attack and Penn is now the mayor of Natchez and preparing to marry his long time girlfriend Caitlyn. Before the wedding can take place all hell breaks loose, literally. A former nurse for Tom Cage has died of terminal cancer. Her son, Lincoln, believes Dr. Cage performed an assisted suicide and is livid. He has the D.A., a long time enemy of Penn's, believing Dr. Cage committed murder and now Tom is facing prison. Penn will go to any length to prevent this from happening. As a result, Penn will learn many things about the father, he idolized his whole life and will uncover some of the most horrendous racial crimes committed in Natchez in the mid to late 1960's. Viola was Tom's nurse during the sixties and she was a beautiful African American woman with whom Tom may have had more than a professional relationship with. While this relationship is at the heart of many personal issues relating to Viola's death, it is also the gateway that leads Penn to investigate the murder of Viola's brother back in the 1960's, right before Viola left for Chicago. Race crimes in this period of time were certainly not unheard of and were played across the nation, giving Mississippi a reputation it lives with even now. But, those were just the ones that made it into the spotlight. Some of these old cases were never solved. Viola's brother, and a young man that may have been having an affair with a white girl whose father was one of the wealthiest and most powerful men in the state, are a few examples. Naturally, the girl's father would go to great lengths to break that up, maybe even murder. In fact, he may have been involved in organizing a top secret group of men that went well beyond anything the KKK ever thought about doing. Now many of those men are approaching the end of their lives and some of them are riddled with guilt and remorse prompting others to take drastic measures to keep them from making death bed confessions. The fear that Viola might tell a few tales makes Penn think someone, and not his father, murdered her. Penn must deal with his old nemesis, Shad, the D.A., a rogue sheriff, his ambitious fiance, his mother's protective instinct, the shock of his father's past, Tom's refusal to talk about certain things and the knowledge that his father is lying to him. The deeper he digs and the more he unearths of the past, the more danger he and his father are in because someone will do anything to keep the past and all its sins buried. This type of book is the reason I refuse to hand out five star ratings nilly willy. When a book this good comes along it deserves that honor and only books that really stand out like this one should be given a top rating. Wow! Just Wow!!! The long five year wait for this book felt more like ten years. The last book in the series left us with a bit of a cliff hanger and so fans have been eagerly anticipating resolution. The author used some real life unsolved crimes as a basis for the story. I could almost feel the sticky Mississippi humidity, hear the soft southern drawl, and see the charming town of Natchez and I could absolutely picture the extreme tension of the 1960's when race relations were at the center of everyone's thoughts and terrible, terrible, crimes were committed by closed minded, power hungry, hate filled people. The very idea that a black person and a white person could be in love would most assuredly lead to someone's death. To have that type of a relationship was the riskiest thing you could do. That didn't stop some from going ahead and acting on those feelings. Some would have more to lose than others and some would pay the ultimate price. These forbidden relationships at the center of all the crimes examined in this novel.While not everything was wrapped up in a neat little bow, there are more installments coming into this series and thankfully there was no big cliffhanger. I personally have held my breath, hoping against hope that Penn will realize he deserves better than the overly ambitions," my career trumps family", Caitlyn. But, we won't get any pat answers here on that front, but I do have a sinking feeling he hasn't seen the back from her yet. As to certain other issues regarding Tom's past and what could have been, we are left to draw our own conclusions. For sure you will not think of the great Tom Cage in the same way again. He is human after all and of course so is the great Penn Cage. How all this will play out in the future will certainly be interesting. I can't wait!!!On a personal note- Greg, it is so good to have you back. I have really missed you! 5 stars

Unfamiliar with the author, this was a staff pick at the local library; and it's obvious why. Greg Iles, a resident of Natchez, MS is a brilliant storyteller whose life had a plot twist of its own. In light of the recent political climate and rise in hate crimes, the story is particularly relevant. It sheds light on a group that spun off from the KKK, that like the Klan used barbaric, often startling tactics to remove those in the way. The story evolves continually and like any top-tier crime drama builds momentum that steamrolls. Family and friend relationships are highlighted as are the crimes against humanity. Revealing events of the past impact character emotions moving the story forward and twisting the plot. In the early sections I was shocked by the barbarism and mindsets of characters who have been created from reality. Make sure to read the Afterword, which is revealing as is the information about the author. Crime/action isn't my first choice of genre, but I plan to read the others by this author. Highly recommended!

Holy smokes!!! This was quite a page turner. A good old mystery, family secrets and lots of drama. I really enjoyed this book and will look into reading more of Iles's books in the future.

An outstanding Southern crime thriller.

I won an Advanced Reader’s Copy through Goodreads.At 800 pages, this novel is a tour de force. Penn Cage, former prosecutor and mayor of Natchez, Mississippi, gets drawn into a 40-year-old mystery involving his father, beloved long-time physician Tom Cage.In powerful, elegant prose, Greg Iles creates a suspenseful mystery concerning racism and its tragic effects on people’s lives. The author doesn’t shy away from portraying the appalling violence and the quest for justice during the Civil Rights Movement and the present time.The evil characters are counterbalanced by the good, and all of them are well developed and believable. Masterful dialogue, accurate details, and realism on the verge of naturalism all combine into an unflinching portrait of prejudice and brutality.

When Penn Cage finds out his beloved father, Dr. Tom Cage, is being charged with the murder of his former nurse, Viola Davis, Penn sets out to fight for his father’s freedom. However, his father is not talking and as he continues his quest for his father’s innocence he begins to uncover deep-rooted, racially-motivated town secrets, secrets that highly influential and powerful people are willing to kill to keep hidden. With the help of his fiancée and local reporter, Henry Sexton, Penn becomes deeply involved in a past full of greed, hatred and murder- but how far will he go to defend his father’s innocence? I have had Greg Illes’ “Natchez Burning” on my bookshelf for awhile, as the size of the book was so daunting. However, the 788 page book was definitely worth the read. A new reader to Illes, I came into this book on Goodreads recommendations alone, and did not know what to expect. “Natchez Burning” is a novel ripe with racial hatred and the immoral motives of powerful people. Tom Cage is a great character, willing to put his life on the line in order to assuage his feelings of guilt. Penn is a dedicated son who uses every ounce of bravery he has to take on The Double Eagles (a subsection of the KKK) almost entirely on his own. Caitlin, Penn’s fiancée, was slightly less likable, but with 788 pages to work with, even she grew on me. Well written with a powerful plot, Illes tells a story that has a little bit of everything- from action, to suspense, to romance, to murder and dirty cops. Each character is so different, yet worth cheering for, and the ending brings about sweet justice and is delectably satisfying. I look forward to the other two novels in Illes’ trilogy, although I will have to set aside a large chunk of time to work my way through their lengthy pages.

When I downloaded this book by Greg Iles, I didn’t realize I was jumping into the middle of a series. By the time I figured that out, I was too engrossed to turn back. Fortunately, I never felt as though I was missing something. In truth, had I felt that way, I still wouldn’t have been able to pull myself away from the story. It was fascinating from the first page, terrifying and brutal when focused on horrors that we all know have existed during that time, but are still too atrocious to wrap one’s head around.What saved the book from being too graphic were the chapters that focused on the protagonist and his family. This is definitely a book of contrasts, of good versus evil, of love versus hate, and forgiveness and acceptance versus revenge. Penn Cage balances his responsibilities as mayor of Natchez with his duty to his daughter, his father and his fiancée, while walking a tightrope over the yawning chasm of bigotry and savage murders that had remained unsolved for decades. The heart of this book, in my opinion, was all the vividly drawn characters who stood up against organized hate and racism. What held the heart was superb writing that expertly wove together so many different storylines, I was truly in awe of the author’s ability to keep it all straight! I will definitely be reading more by this very talented author.

To be Published 13th March by Harper CollinsThank you THANK YOU to Kate and Bob at Killer Reads for the advance copy. Probably THE best book post I have ever had.Penn Cage is facing a son’s worst nightmare – having his father stand accused of murder. Worse, each effort to defend the legendary Dr Tom Cage unearths new, shocking secrets, leaving Penn to question whether he ever really knew his father at all.So for those of you who have not read the previous Penn Cage novels from Greg Iles (the first being “The Quiet Game” ) I would encourage you to do so, however you CAN start here – the first part of a planned trilogy featuring the character, as there is enough information for a new reader without actually spoiling the previous books.There are reasons why this is one of the best “presents” I have received since reviewing seriously – a few years back I read the last Penn Cage novel, “The Devils Punchbowl” which was as brilliantly addictive as all the rest. When it ended there was a hint, a taster if you like, for what might happen next. In the notes Mr Iles told us that, unusually, there would be a further Penn Cage novel the following year (usually there is a bigger gap – he also writes TREMENDOUSLY gripping standalone books and never actually intended to write a series but Penn wouldnt go away) then of course disaster struck. Mr Iles was involved in a serious accident – all that mattered after that was recovery. I, for one, am extremely grateful that recover he did over a period of time, otherwise the world would have lost another great writer on top of the obvious horror of personal loss for his family.I prayed. I’m sure his other readers did as well. And now here we are..And what a glorious, once again addictive, seriously mind blowing read we have here. Absolutely gripping. A deeply involving story about the effects and events surrounding racial tension in the Deep South Mr Iles blends fact and fiction with terrific effect. Past leaks into present with terrifying results and as well as being a most fascinating tale, for this reader it was also an education. These subjects are dealt with in previous books but for me this was a revelation.On top of all that, there is the well drawn, compelling story of the relationship between father and son. Tom Cage is a local hero, known as a moral man, loved by many, the backbone of his community and a much admired Doctor. He grew up during the troubled times where the colour of your skin determined how you were treated, viewed, what you were allowed to do with your life, where you could eat, sleep, drink. Always assuming him to be on the side of truth and justice, Penn has always had the greatest love and affection for his Dad and an instinctive trust about who he is. All that is about to be thrown up into the air, who knows where the pieces will land or what will be left of this trust when it is all over.Amazing. The only word that springs to mind. As dark secrets begin to emerge, you will be swept along with the sheer beauty of the writing, the absolute emotion of each moment and often sitting on the edge of your seat awaiting answers to, frankly, unanswerable questions about the way human beings treat each other. Will Tom Cage ultimately turn out to be exactly who Penn thought he was? Or is he as fallible as the rest…I am in awe. And I cannot wait for the next part of the story, it has buried itself deep within my reading soul and I imagine that overall this is one that will stay with me for life.Read it. Love it. Live it.Happy Reading Folks!

I've read everything Greg Iles has ever written - he's an incredibly talented wordsmith. His novels are all quite different but with one similarity - they're addicting reads. (And bestsellers as well)His latest book Natchez Burning has just released and it's an absolutely fantastic read - easily his best novel yet. It's been a while coming - Iles nearly died in an auto accident five years ago.Natchez Burning is the fourth book to feature lawyer Penn Cage, now the mayor of Natchez, Mississippi.Present day - Penn's father, Tom, the town doctor for over fifty years has been accused of murdering a black woman who was his nurse in the 1960's. Tom is known and loved by all of his patients, black and white. And Tom knows his father - there's no way he would have done such a thing. Penn is determined to clear Tom's name - even as Tom refuses to rise to his own defense. Penn's search for answers takes him back to..."...1964, with three murders. Three stones cast into a pond no one had cared about since the siege of Vicksburg, but which was soon to become the centre of the world's attention. A place most people in the United States like to think was somehow different from the rest of the country, but which was in fact the very incarnation of America's tortured soul. Mississippi."A splinter group of the Klan, calling themselves the Double Eagles, has been operating in Natchez for over fifty years, manipulating, controlling, killing and conspiring in this southern State. They're driven by hate and greed, with no intention of ever stopping. But Violet's death is the tipping point. Secrets buried and kept for a half century threaten to take down anyone and everyone - black and white.Where to start? Each and every character Iles brings to the page is fully developed and the reader can't help but become engaged (or disgusted) with every player. I've been a fan of Penn Cage from the first book, but found other favourites in Natchez Burning. I quiet enjoyed Tom, described as Atticus Finch with a medical degree. Iles explores the relationship between Penn and his father, as every belief he holds about Tom is put to the test in Natchez Burning. But my favourite was Henry, the newspaper reporter who has been pursuing the Double Eagles for many years."Fate doesn't let men choose their wars. Or even their battles, sometimes. But one resolute man can sometime accomplish remarkable things against overwhelming odds."Although Penn is the main voice of this novel, other characters are given a turn and we see the past and present from many differing views. Natchez Burning does not shy away from the violence that is the truth of this time and place. Gentle readers, there are some disturbing scenes and descriptions that may not be for you. Iles based his novel on actual events that occurred in Ferriday, Louisiana.Natchez Burning is powerful, gripping, thrilling, sweeping and simply spectacular - 800+ pages that flew by for this reader. Absolutely, positively recommended. Natchez Burning is the first of a trilogy. I'll be waiting and watching for the second book - The Bone Tree - due out in 2015.

Greg Iles serves up another complex, engrossing, and suspenseful chapter in the Penn Cage series. If you are a fan of Iles, you should definitely read this book. If you haven't read him yet, then what are you waiting for?

WOW!!! Welcome back, Mr. Iles! This novel takes a hard look into father/ son relationships and the realization by son that Dad isn't the perfect man Son projected him to be. Most important, Mr. Iles tackles the state of racism during the 1960's and shows us how little it has changed 50 years later. Not many would take on this subject as head on as has Mr. Iles. I tip my hat to him. I've read many reviewers take to task the fact that many questions and characters went unanswered. I do not understand this take, as it has been widely publicized that this is book one of a trilogy. I have no doubt that the next two books will answer all these open doors and more. Isn't that the beauty of a trilogy, the answers will come. A writer as gifted as Mr. Iles will tease us up until the very end, until that "uhh huh" moment when all will become clear. I for one, can hardly wait to find that moment, especially where Shad fits into all of this.