It's hard to believe that it's been 3 years ( June 2008) since Vicki Lane left us all on a cliff in " Dark Season"! So long in fact, I had to re-read "Dark Season" recently to remember what cliff I was on in preparation for being honored with an ARC of " Under The Skin " !!Those of you who visit this blog know: " I Am A Connoisseur of North Carolina Authors and their works "! I've read them all! They are a special breed, right up there with MISSISSIPPI ( you know we have Faulkner,Welty, Morris, Grisham, Stockett to name a few)
and... Vicki Lane is a "blue blood" among her NC peers!
" UNDER THE SKIN " .....WOW!
In my opinion her best yet...
" Of Two Sisters....One is always the watcher.. One the dancer".....Louise Gluck
" Rivalry adds so much to the charms of one's conquests"...
Louisa May Alcott
In " Under The Skin" we delve into the relationship of Elizabeth and her only sister Gloria. Rivalry comes front and center as Elizabeth the "watcher" is sucked into the vortex of Gloria the "dancer"....
As with all Vicki's books, we are treated to then and now of Western NC which I love!
" Then" being Hot Springs, NC 1887 where The De'Vine sisters are perpetrating a "medium" scheme of bringing forth the dead in their much sought after seances....
" Now" being not only Elizabeth's home, Full Circle Farm but also present day Hot Springs where Gloria has taken the reluctant Elizabeth for their own seance with the departed!
Gloria has come from her home in Florida in hopes of hiding out from her current(3rd) husband whom she's convinced is trying to kill her, landing full force in the middle of Elizabeth's wedding planning, where she causes chaos and resentment to take over Elizabeth's life.
The reader is treated to not only a great mystery but an up close look at the complicated bond that exists between two very different sisters from two very different eras.
It was 3 years ago yesterday that I discovered the works of Vicki Lane! I was fortunate that she already had written 4 books in The Elizabeth Goodweather Series and I ordered all 4! We have become good friends and "sisters of the written word"in these past 3 years and she is one of my VERY favorite authors. She has that "rare " ability to capture place so well.........you have to see it for yourself!
She made me fall in love with Western NC and last year I was blessed with the opportunity to visit with her@ Full Circle Farm and enjoy a wonderful meal I still remember well !
Above is a collage of pics I took on her gorgeous farm while there........
Below you'll see my complete collection of Vicki's wonderful books!!!!!
If you haven't read them.... shame on you! You are missing out!
AND.....Vicki, please tell me I don't have to wait 3 more years to visit with our girl Elizabeth!!!
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13 comments:
What a lovely write up, Carol! I'm so glad you enjoyed Elizabeth's latest adventure.
Carol, I read the first four books the same way you did -- all at once. Have the new one pre-ordered and can't wait to read it.
Ah, a series I have not read. More for the list.
I do feel shame because I haven't read any of Vicki's books and I know about her because my sister Tammy loves her books too.
I'm wishing many sales for Under the Skin. Go Vicki!!!
I will need to start with book one.
Many thanks for introducing Vicki Lane to me; her writing sounds right up my alley and she's a next state neighbor...good things, all!
Hello, im sorry i have been kind a busy if you ever in Rogersville Tn. Stop in at the Burger Bar ask for Mater. They are some good folks. And my farm is a work in prgress maybe one day it will bring a happiness to many as my Great grandfathers did. i like reading about other people and there joys. the New friend i spoke of. Gifted me with the Books 'The Travelers Gift' and 'The Final Summit' He gave me 'The Noticer' as well but will start it tommorrow. Thankyou and i will continue to follow your blog.
Have not read this author....but she does look intriguing. How fortunate for you that you were actually able to meet and break bread together.
xo
Jo
Sounds like am interesting series in the same setting.
I am sure I will develop a taste a s continue to load my Kindle but ut quite a mixture now. I finished THE HELP and started WATER FOR THE ELEPHANTS. I've read circus-based novels before but this may be a bit more than I bargained for. L doubt the movie filmed parts of what I have read so far.
What a great story you write. Finding her books and getting to know her as well. Will add her books to my ever growing list.
I CAN NOT WAIT TO READ IT!!! I love her books too : )
Great choice, Carol! I am a great fan of Vicky's! I read all her books and I am looking forward to reading this new one!
Sounds like a good read. I love mysteries. I think I'll get it on Kindle or i books. Thanks. You'll have so much fun in Charleston, I am jealous! I wanna go back....Christine
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