The murder, though enticing (especially due to the secret Ms. Voight thought she took to her grave), is merely the vehicle used to parade a cast of realistic and outrageous characters before the reader. Reeves draws them with a fine brush, adding little touches that make us see them in full color. And she has the colloquialisms down pat. I felt as if I were visiting some of my Tennessee relatives. Some of the unchanging features (and gossip) of small towns were also echoes from some of my own visits back home.

Congratulations, Ami Elizabeth Reeves, on a great novel. You have captured my attention and my approval. Now, when are y’all going to write another one, huh? I can’t wait to visit Delight again.