I've read all the Anna Pigeon books and this is one of the best. As always, the author's knowledge of natural settings and creatures adds greatly to the enjoyment. The mystery is a good one, exploring more aspects of Anna's character, especially her vulnerability because of her small size and the fact that she is the "boss" and uneasy in her new position. The descriptions of the different reactions of other characters (co-workers, other law enforcers, townspeople and suspects) are excellent, exploring Mississippians using their present and past to explain their different reactions to situations.Anna's romance with Sheriff Paul Davidson, with its ups and downs, adds interest and humanity to Anna's character. Too bad there isn't more about sister Molly!Since reading "Deep South", I have visited the Natchez Trace Parkway. Both that book and this one evoke the area, its eerieness and its history very well.