Blood on the Leaves

Rating:
Summary: Blood on the Leaves
Review: I am a member of Kwabena Book Club in Charlotte, North Carolina. This month our book was Blood on the Leaves. This was a superb first novel. In fact, Jeff Stetson had the skills and craft of a professional writer. The murder scene at the beginning was full of suspense. The characters were thoroughly developed through dialogue and action. He revealed the inner thoughts of his main character, James Reynolds, and displayed his insecurities. In fact, all of his characters were well developed. Some statements made throughout the novel were so full of meaning till I had to stop reading and think about exactly what was being said. I had a hard time putting this book down. Mr. Stetson's novel was refreshing simply because it was much different from the choices we have to choose from on the best sellers list of our culture. This was not a cartoon character covered book with reference to another baby-daddy-mama-drama episode. I feel Jeff Stetson did a great deal of research in order to create such an educational work of fiction. Thank you, Mr. Stetson, for writing a novel of substance.

Rating:
Summary: Best novel of the year.
Review: I can't add much to the positive reviews already listed. I've had this book on my "to read" list for several months but opted to read the stardard best selling authors, Patterson, Child, Leonard, Cromwell, etc. only to be disappointed over and over again. So if my favorite authors didn't deliver, I certainly didn't expect much from a first-timer. Simply put, this book blew me away. Eloquent, funny, powerful, suspenseful, thought-provoking, I can't recall a mystery novel this well written that also raises political and moral issues in such a fascinating way. For those of you who might be put off by the notion of reading a novel that explores "race" or raises "important political and ethical" questions, please do yourself a big favor and put your reservations aside. I can't imagine anyone reading this novel and not being moved by it. Give Blood on the Leaves a try. I don't think you'll read a more entertaining, better written or provocative novel this or any other year.

Rating:
Summary: Fantastic! A great book that transcends the mystery genre.
Review: I can't use enough superlatives to describe this book. It is an incredible mystery, a thought-provoking character study, an amazing court-room drama. Most importantly, it is a book that forces you to think about justice and retribution and the often ignored history of this country. It is funny, intelligent and moving. I can't understand how this book hasn't been more widely championed by the media. It's an extraordinary debut novel. I have read passages aloud to my friends and we've laughed and cried and gotten angry discussing the issues raised. I might add for what it's worth, I'm a white male who is very conservative and I'm not usually attracted to books that deal with race but I love great mysteries. This book isn't about black or white. It's about humanity and hope. It was written with clarity, passion, compassion and integrity. I simply could not put this book down after I started. And now that I've finished, I know it is a book that I will reread many times. I've recommended it to my closest friends and complete strangers. And now I recommend it to you. It's a remarkable achievement and I encourage all readers who love great writing to get this book. You will not be disappointed.

Rating:
Summary: Brilliant, provocative and entertaining.
Review: I heard Mr. Stetson on a radio interview discussing his book and I pulled my car to the side of the road and used my cell phone to order BLOOD ON THE LEAVES. I thought he was an extremely intelligent and articulate person and I couldn't wait to see what he had written. I'm a retired creative writing teacher and I've read at least one book a week since I was a teenager but in the last few years I've stayed away from most "commercial" books. With rare exception, they're poorly written. While successful authors know about "formula" they care very little about craft and exhibit virtually no real literary skill. So while I was anxious to read Mr. Stetson's book, I frankly didn't expect much. I was pleasantly, even overwhelmingly, surprised.

I believe this book will be a classic. It deserves to be read by anyone who loves a great story and brilliant writing. What is most remarkable about this book is the subject matter and how it's explored. Mr. Stetson has chosen to deal with volatile, provocative and complex issues and has managed to do so in a way that constantly entertains and stimulates both the mind and the heart. From the first page to the last, I experienced a vast range of emotions and I was simply unable to put down this book until I discovered how it ended.

The beauty of this book is the knowledge that, like all truly great works, it will never end. It'll resonate with me for a very long time. It's the first new book I've read in the last decade that has made me want to come out of retirement and relive the joys of teaching literature. BLOOD ON THE LEAVES is that rare gift that can change how the reader views the world and his position in it.

Thank you, Mr. Stetson, for such a wonderful and vitally important work of art. I'm sending to you, through your publisher, a personal note of gratitude and congratulations, which I hope they will forward. Please keep writing.

Rating:
Summary: A thrilling adventure in the air or on the ground
Review: I was in Palm Beach Florida last weekend on vacation when I came across an editorial in the Palm Beach Post urging its readers to read BLOOD ON THE LEAVES. The opinion piece stated the book was "as engaging and compelling as a novel by James Patterson or John Grisham." It concluded with the rather weighty notion that "if you really want to understand black history, I urge you to read Blood on the Leaves." I had never recalled reading a book review that glowing, let alone one written by an editorial writer. So I bought the novel, unconvinced it or any other book could live up to that type of hype.

On my flight back home to Detroit I decided to read a chapter or two with the intention of either putting it my briefcase to complete at my leisure or leaving it behind tucked neatly beside the air-sick bag. The plane flew into some violent turbulence and my sole thought throughout the entire disturbance was Lord, please don't let this plane crash before I finish this novel. And, my friends, I can't think of a better recommendation than that. The book was magnificent.

The editorial writer who brought this novel to my attention, however, was wrong in two important ways. Patterson and Grisham are terrific writers but the two of them combined couldn't have written this novel with the same degree of eloquence, humor, tenderness and power. Secondly, this novel is not simply for those who want to understand black history. It's for those of us honest, open and courageous enough to dare to understand American history or quite frankly, world history as it pertains to issues of justice, revenge, retribution and the fine line between hero and terrorist, good and evil, right and wrong.

Yeah, I know. Sounds overblown. That was my feeling after I read that editorial. I was wrong and if you don't find the time to read this marvelous novel, you will have missed something quite special, extraordinary, and fear not, incredibly entertaining. Had this novel been written by either Patterson or Grisham, in addition to being considered their best and most important work, it would no doubt be on the bestseller list for as long as the Da Vinci Code. As you can tell, I loved this book. I firmly believe that you will, too, even if you read it as I did, in the middle of a storm.

Rating:
Summary: Move over John Grisham!
Review: Move over John Grisham. There's a new king of torts; and he's taking the literary world by storm. In his amazing new debut novel "Blood on the Leaves," Jeff Stetson crafts a delectable tale of racial hostility, murder, and retribution that commands your attention.

In the book, several of the white men accused but never convicted of murdering blacks during the civil rights era are turning up dead. What's more, they're dying in the same fashion as their alleged victims of long ago. When it is discovered that Professor Martin Matheson has composed a list of the men for a college course he teaches, he becomes the prime suspect in the murder investigations. Matheson, an intelligent yet pompous man believes the men got just what they deserved. But did he participate in their untimely deaths? That's what James Reynolds, the only black prosecutor in the district attorney's office, would like to know.

When Matheson is arrested for one of the murders, he hires long time civil rights advocate, Todd Miller as his attorney. Miller, a middle-aged man who sports a pony tail and is a friend of the prosecutor, comes from a long line of attorneys. And by the way, Miller just happens to be Caucasian. Though Miller is not thoroughly convinced of his clients' case, he cannot refuse what will prove to be the case of a lifetime.

Thus sets the stage for the trial of the century, even bigger than O.J. When Reynolds's haunting secret of the past reveals itself again, he becomes even more dedicated in proving Matheson's guilt. But battle with a genius professor, a seasoned attorney, and a history of bigotry may prove to be enough to send the prosecutor over the edge. Can he win the case? And if he does, will justice be served? Regardless of the outcome, the clear winner will be the reader.

Jeff Stetson, writer of the long-running play The Meeting, has crafted a powder keg of a tale full of intrigue and shock that will leave readers longing for more well after its dynamic conclusion. Though you may not be able to decide which side to cheer for, you will no doubt love this remarkable book. This is the kind of story moviemakers should eat up. I hope Hollywood is listening. Run out and buy "Blood on the Leaves" today!


Rating:
Summary: Outstanding!
Review: Set in Jackson, Mississippi, Blood on the Leaves weaves around wonderfully drawn three-dimensional characters amid social injustice and long suppressed memories. The catalyst is in the actions of one charismatic Professor Martin Matheson, a disputatious community leader, who uses his classroom as a medium to resurface 30-40 year old unsolved crimes involving murdered/lynched blacks. He wantonly distributes the names and addresses of whites suspected of carrying out theses deadly deeds and when the white named suspects are murdered in similar manners as the black victims, pandemonium breaks loose and Matheson is arrested and charged with murder. The community is immediately split along moral and racial divides.

The core of the story centers on theatrical courtroom scenes of Professor Matheson's trial; however, it is the internal struggles of the key characters that add depth and drama to the plot. For example, prosecuting attorney James Reynolds is the only black assistant DA with an impeccable win ratio and is also a social acquaintance of the defendant. Reynolds is assigned to prosecute Matheson against his wishes by his racist and inept boss (the County's District Attorney). He suffers from haunting, sleep-depriving nightmares, and wrestles with his own internal morals regarding justice and duty. Todd Miller, Matheson's defense attorney, is a white Civil Rights lawyer who was disowned and disenfranchised by his family in the 1950's for his liberal political views. Stetson also interjects ingenious subtle references to and commentaries on modern day political groups and social issues that trigger deep internal examination on the reader's part.

Bravo, Mr. Stetson! This book is extremely well done - a true page-turner until the very end! When I finished Blood on the Leaves, I was emotionally drained but thoroughly entertained! Stetson's skill as a playwright brought the story to life via dialogue, carefully crafted scenes and vivid imagery. It is a suspenseful, thought-provoking story that grapples with age-old concepts of revenge, redemption, and morality! This book is most definitely on my 2004 favorites list and I am looking forward to the next release.

Reviewed by Phyllis

APOOO BookClub
Nubian Circle Book Club


Rating:
Summary: Bitter Diatribe
Review: The book starts very well in the first chapter but fails miserbly as soon as the primary hero(?) is introduces. He is a tortured insecure black lawyer who is and afraid at all times of being confronted with his lack of ability and character

The second protagonost is a self appointed messiah - a legend in his own mind -who inspires all he meets. His sycophants are perfect cardboard characters.

A perfect film for the existinh Hollywood stars and starlets.

Rating:
Summary: One of the best books I've read, of any type.
Review: This powerful book cost me about 4 hours of sleep. I simply couldn't put it down. The premise is powerful. The writing is spellbinding. The detail the author used to describe the slayings, particularly for a black person from the South, is simply overwhelming. And the plot is so wickedly taunt, you have NO chance of figuring out what will happen before the very end. The moral interplay between "justice" and "vengence" and who deserves which will give you pause. By the middle of the book, the pace is simply breathtaking. Do yourself a favor and read this one.

Rating:
Summary: An intense suspense novel dealing with present-day issues
Review: Wow. Jeff Stetson has written a book that deals with intense issues and tackles the weighty concerns of ethics and morality, reminding us of all-too-present American racism --- all while offering a suspenseful story. I wasn't halfway through BLOOD ON THE LEAVES when I realized that it would go on my list of "best first mysteries of 2004." This is one helluva story.

Professor Martin Matheson, whose father is a preacher (and who named his son, yes, after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.) is a popular and highly controversial teacher of a course in which he presents 20th century southern history, naming names of white residents of Mississippi who were usually acquitted (if brought to trial at all) of killing, torturing and lynching black people 30-40 years ago. When several of those individuals he has named are killed, the community erupts --- well mostly it's the legal community that erupts. Matheson is arrested and charged with murder.

The prosecuting attorney, James Reynolds, who knows Matheson, is black; the defense attorney, Todd Miller, whose choice to become a civil rights lawyer caused his father to disown him, is white. Reynolds' boss, a political deadbeat in the prosecutor's office, is cruelly drawn but believable; there are those who are in politics and law to fight for victims and there are those who are in it for political gain, power and influence, and who would far prefer to deal with office politics than the actual laws they're supposed to defend.

This story contains a great legal thriller and the courtroom scenes move well, providing drama and just enough surprises --- again, Stetson is showing a lot of skill for someone who, while certainly no stranger to writing, is new to mystery fiction. I did have some problems with the presentation of the legal case, though; I thought that the prosecution's case was extremely weak, so that even as a reader I felt strongly about who would win and who would lose. There is some ambiguity to a few characters, but for the most part, the bad guys are pure evil while the good guys (and you get to decide who they are) show a fair amount of depth. The suspense lasts until the book's final word. I'm not entirely sure that I bought the ending one hundred percent, but then again I'm not sure that I didn't; the point here, I believe, is not to walk away satisfied, but to continue to question what happened, and why, and who was ultimately responsible for the deaths in this book, both the recent ones and those from the not-too-distant past.

Perhaps it is Stetson's experience as a playwright that helps to make the dialogue and pacing so effective. The nature of the crimes forces the reader to think about murky issues. What liability does someone have if they name names of murderers who got off during some of the worst times in recent memory? What responsibility does the law have for protecting people who might be on some sort of weird hit list? Is Matheson responsible for the acts, perhaps, of his fired-up students? What if he was wrong about someone? Matheson is just enough of a puzzle; he isn't shy about his feelings and is aware of the turmoil he has created --- and he is proud of it. He loves teaching and making people think --- even in jail, where he seems to me a little too saintly --- but he knows, just knows, that the students are not responsible for the rash of ugly killings. The '50s and '60s are brought back to vivid memory to the characters of the book and the reader. It's within my lifetime that the blatancy of southern racism was confronted, and it's still difficult to read some of the scenes in this book that confirm that in Mississippi, as elsewhere, bigotry and hatred not only exist, but thrive.

A few of the characters are familiar in some ways --- I especially appreciate attorney Miller, the white civil rights lawyer, but all are worth reading about. James Reynolds is acutely aware of the times and of his actions. The conflicts of belief and the rule of law, and the pressures of living in the south and holding certain beliefs about race, are well drawn.

This was not an easy book to read. The descriptions are often ugly and frightening, and you cannot pretend that, at least now, all is well; racism and hatred are still alive --- even if sometimes the victim's color or name might change. Stetson at times may be a little preachy, and obvious --- it's hard not to be with a book about racism and lynching, guilt and history --- but he also can be subtle and, at times, witty. BLOOD ON THE LEAVES makes you think; we need more books like this.

--- Reviewed by Andi Shechter ([e-mail])