This seventh Cage Penn book is the icing on the cake following Iles' amazing Nachez Burning trilogy (Nachez Burning, The Bone Tree, and Mississippi Blood), which also features Penn Cage. Set fifteen years after Mississippi Blood, in 2023, on the eve of the presidential election, it is a microscopic look at the state of US politics, race relations, and the nature of the unrest we are currently experiencing.

When a rap concert turns bloody at the hands of the Sheriff's Department in Bienville, Mississippi, two figures emerge as leaders: one, a Black tourist guide, and the other, a White third-party presidential candidate who has the best chance of winning since Ross Perot. One hopes to quell the retaliatory mood of the crowd, and the other hopes to raise his political aspirations to a national stage. At odds, the stage is set for a confrontation with far-reaching consequences.

This looks like it will be the final Penn Cage book, as it is revealed early on that Cage's cancer is no longer in remission. That's sad news for fans of the series, myself included, but Iles does a good job of handling the characters and dealing with the life-threatening situation. This fast-moving story weaves together today's political climate and Civil War-era slavery issues. It is sometimes uncomfortable to read, but it is a story that needs telling. This political and historical thriller shines a light on corruption, race relations, and family relationships, both past and present. It is an excellently written book that can be read as a standalone--although the other books in the series are so good, I recommend reading them all.

Thank you, NetGalley and William Morrow, for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The publication date is May 28, 2024.

The last time I was in the Penn Cage world was in 2018.. I wasn't sure how much I would remember. We are introduced to many characters at the start and soon realized how easy it is to get sucked into the writing of Greg Iles. This book is very long, probably one of the longest I have ever read. You need to buckle in as this book was a RIDE!! I really didn't want the book to end.
This book is a mix of politics, history, good, evil, corruption, racism, The story is told from each character's point of view. We get into their heads and how they think. It was an eye opener into a place I would never go and realizing the more things change, the more they stay the same.
I would like the thank the Killer Crime Club on Facebook and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this advance copy.

I've been waiting a long time for the next Penn Cage. And here it is. Because it is Greg Iles, I was expecting another fast-paced thrill ride, which this certainly is at times. What I wasn't expecting was a running commentary on Southern politics, as well as cautionary tale about the current political situation in our country. I read to escape the 24 hr news cycle, not to spend hours with it in my face. At 900+ pages, this book is a commitment, and it is not always a comfortable book to read. Having said that, Ilse is at his very best in this book. He weaves the evolution of Southern history, culture and lore- the good, the bad, and the ugly- into a compelling novel that will keep the reader intrigued until the end. It addresses many themes including racism, white supremacy, justice, morality, as well as -do we even have rule of law anymore? Did we ever? I think the real question Iles is asking is- Is it possible to have a non-violent, post -Jim Crow South? You will decide for yourself after reading this book. Thanks to Net Galley for this advanced ARC

The Southern Man is a well written taut thriller that will have you gasping for breath, holding your breath as Penn Cage returns in book 7.

Penn is not well but that does not stop him from becoming a centre player in the rampant racism
mass shooting on Mission Hill.

Police are firing at police and innocent citizens are being slaughtered.

Antebellum mansions are burning and a war is raging.

Its a journey that the reader must take themselves.

My review will never do this compelling read justice and I just dont have the words to describe the emotions the story brings out.

The book is long but trust me once you start reading you will be so lost in Southern Man that you will hate it to end.

Greg Isles has done a remarkable job of portraying the civil unrest , the history of slavery and Penn's family.

I felt like I was there with them all.

Highly recommend you pick up your copy of Southern Man and prepare yourself for an amazing, emotional read.

Thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for a read that I wont forget and will talk about for a long time to come.

I found this piece to be exceptionally well-crafted, and I'm eagerly anticipating the opportunity to delve into more works by this author. Given its potential popularity among our library patrons, we're certainly looking forward to adding it to our collection

Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for the ARC. Wowza...960 pages later. It has been a good 7 years since the last Penn Cage novel so I was excited to get started on this one. I must say it did take me to about halfway through before I felt like I was seeing more of the old Penn Cage novels. This book seemed to be very politically charged which I wasn't expecting. I did enjoy it in the end. It is a very telling story. Wish it would have grabbed me more in the beginning.

I'm so thankful to have had the opportunity to recieve and read the ARC of Southern Man by one of my most favorite authors.

This is the 7th book in the Penn Cage series. It's long. Its very long. But every detail, plot twist, and shocking discovery leads you down the history of the south. This book covers politics, race, and small town government. For this reason I would classify it as a cross between historical fiction and political thriller.

I enjoyed this book very much. So many parts shook me to the core but the ending almost had me in tears.

Greg Ilses, thank you. Thank you for yet an another amazing book!

"Southern Man" by Greg Iles is a tour de force of political and social commentary as the sins of the past meet the machinations of the present in the small Mississippi town of Bienville. Protagonist Penn Cage must juggle the trauma of his mother's final days with the knowledge that his own inherited medical condition has finally kicked in. Then his daughter is shot at a concert, his old flame returns to his life, and his mother's research into their family reveals shocking connections to the worst person in town. A series of violent acts escalate the tensions between the white and Black citizens of the town, while Bobby White, a would-be third-party candidate for president, adds his own diabolical brand of chaos.

The novel is a dense read, the cast of characters on an epic scale that makes it difficult to keep them all straight. There are multiple storylines as well: genealogical surprises. medical problems, political intrigue, sabotage, racial tension, gender issues, murder, each one compelling. Yet taken together, they overwhelm the reader. Compliments to Iles for attempting such a broad treatment of so many issues we face today, but it can often be a slog to sort through all the plots and keep them straight.

Do readers need to be warned about the political positions espoused by various characters? Maybe. The author tells it like it is from both sides, using the rhetoric of the right and the left to great effect, but those sensitive to one or the other may find it upsetting. Set in contemporary America, "Southern Man" attacks the problems of our country head-on. As the stakes mount, the reader is compelled to soldier on, hoping for a positive outcome as the body count rises.

Wow. OmGosh, what an INTENSE book! I had to put it down nearly every single chapter and just breathe. 4.5 stars. A lot of what happens in this novel is already happening in the world, including the US. The history is very realistic and thus upsetting to read but also critical to the novel; hard to read but important to never forget. God help us if someone like "Bobby" actually runs for US president & wins. I couldn't do anything until I read all of this very long and very involved novel. If you choose to read it, please do not skip over the events in the 1860's; they are essential but uncomfortable parts of the plot.

I was very excited to re-enter the world of Penn Cage and this book did not disappoint. Great to revisit with the characters from previous novels and learn what had transpired in their lives since the last novel, Mississippi Blood. Great plot over two timelines that kept me engaged and overall the novel seemed current and relevant to the present. I would wholly recommend.

Southern Man was a long, hard and painful read. It was a long read that I didn’t want to end, however, I didn’t enjoy every minute. It was a hard read because it was brutally honest about race relations in the United States and the world, past and present. It was painful because the truth hurts.

The way all the different storylines, past and present, and characters, past and present, develop in the Natchez and Bienville settings is exquisite.

Greg Iles is a storyteller extraordinaire. His research is staggering.

Southern Man is a story, but it hits really close to current reality.

Fifteen years after the events of the Natchez Burning trilogy, Penn Cage is alone. Nearly all his loved ones are dead, his old allies gone. But Penn’s self-imposed exile comes to an abrupt end when a brawl at a Bienville music festival triggers a shooting—one that nearly takes the life of his daughter Annie.

Before the stunned populace can process the tragedy, an arsonist begins torching antebellum plantation homes in Bienville. When an unknown Black group claims the fires as acts of justice, panic ensues, driving the Mississippi River town to the brink of war.

When Penn’s closest friend in Bienville is shot to death on the street by a county deputy, mass protests ignite, and the community descends into open hostilities. State and county politicos use the mayhem as an excuse to dissolve the city government and seize control, and enraged activists begin converging on the town from far-away states to see their own brand of justice done.

In Southern Man, Greg Iles returns to the riveting style and historic depth that made the Natchez Burning trilogy a searing masterpiece and hurls the narrative fifteen years forward into our current moment—where America teeters on the fence between anarchy and salvation. This would be a better book if the characters weren't drawn so one-dimensionally; Blacks are good, Whites (with the exception of Penn and his family, of course) are evil. That said, this is a powerful novel, and sure to cement Greg iles' place in the pantheon of American literature. Highly recommended. #SouthernMan #NetGalley #SaltMarshAuthorSeries

I have loved Penn Cage and Greg Iles my whole adult life! I was incredibly excited for book 7 in the series and IIes did not disappoint.

Clocking in at just short of 1,000 pages, I do wonder if this could have been two books. Once I dug in however, the pace was non stop and I remember all of the enjoyment from past thrillers starting Cage and his family.

It's 15 years later and Penn Cage is licking his wounds and living in self-chosen exile. His mother is on her deathbed and his adult daughter has finally left the nest. Penn thinks he has little to live for and after his large windfall lawsuit, is no longer interested in practicing law. Iles changes that quickly when there is a shooting at the nearby Beinville concert gathering. Simultaneously, antebellum plantation houses are burning. Suddenly there are multiple issues of race, politics, income and plenty of secrets pulling Cage back into the peacemaker game.

Iles does an excellent job of threading contemporary issues through the story while also world building to the point that you might even have to take a break from the stress of the story! By the time I finished the book I cared for the community members as much as the neighborhood friends I live near and I wanted to dig in and help.

Plenty of politics and Iles makes no secret of where his loyalties lie. Mine are quite similar and thus it was an enjoyable read. The prescient predictions and the all too similar situations between Mr. Iles and Cage however, sadden me and I hope there are many more books to come.

If you love that old time thriller and a smart hero facing contemporary issues, this is a book for you! #Natchez #gregIles #PennCage #williammorrow #SouthernMan

Greg Iles writes another great entry in this series. It had everything that I was looking for and enjoyed the overall concept and that had a great overall feel to it. Greg Iles has a great writing style and I enjoyed the overall story. It uses the historical feel to it and enjoyed the overall story being told.

Greg Iles takes readers on a gripping journey through the heart of the American South in his latest novel, "Southern Man." Set against the backdrop of Mississippi, Iles weaves a tale of suspense, family secrets, and the complexities of race relations that is as riveting as it is thought-provoking.

The story follows protagonist Penn Cage who finds himself drawn into a web of intrigue when he stumbles upon a decades-old mystery involving his own family. As he delves deeper into the past, Penn uncovers long-buried secrets that threaten to unravel the very fabric of his existence.

What sets "Southern Man" apart is Iles' masterful portrayal of the Deep South. Through vivid descriptions and authentic dialogue, he brings the setting to life, capturing the essence of the region with both its charm and its flaws. From the sweltering heat of summer to the sprawling plantations steeped in history, the novel is steeped in atmosphere, immersing readers in its rich and evocative world.

At its core, "Southern Man" is a story about identity and belonging. Penn's journey is not just a quest for truth, but also a search for a just society divided by race and class. As he confronts his own prejudices and misconceptions, he is forced to reckon with the legacy of slavery and its enduring impact on the South. Through Penn's eyes as well as the other characters, Iles explores themes of redemption and forgiveness, challenging readers to confront uncomfortable truths about the past and its implications for the present.

Iles' writing is sharp and compelling, keeping readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. The pacing is brisk, with twists and turns that will leave readers guessing until the very end. The characters are well-developed and multi-dimensional, each with their own motivations and secrets that add layers of complexity to the narrative.

Overall, "Southern Man" is a gripping thriller that offers much more than just suspense. With its richly drawn setting and thought-provoking themes, it is a novel that will linger in the minds of readers long after the final page(page 976!) is turned. Greg Iles has once again proven himself to be a master storyteller, and "Southern Man" is sure to captivate audiences far and wide.

I have always loved the Penn Cage books, and this one was a great addition to the series. I will say..it is L O N G. Too long in my opinion, but still a really good book. This is a southern gothic thriller that kept me on my toes. Don’t let the length keep you from this one. Just go in knowing you’ll be there for a while.

My thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Thank you to NetGalley for the advance reader copy of this title. WOW, just wow.....Greg Iles continues the saga of Penn Cage in this novel. I love all of his books, but this novel rises to the top like the best cream ever. Penn has been through so much, and now his mom is on her deathbed, and he is dealing with his own mortality. In the wake of his personal struggles, the racial tension in Mississippi is at a boiling point due to crooked, clueless cops, a rogue presidential candidate who is not at all what he seems, and a cabal of good ole boys (and girl) who are pulling puppet strings.

There are many intricate plot lines that Iles weaves seamlessly together, and the character relationships and arcs ring true. Iles descriptions of the settings in and around Natchez, place the reader in the situation with beautiful subtlety. Penn has been through so much, and this story feels like it might be the end of him, but he will live to fight another day. His relationship with his daughter is now on an adult level, and he has found love again.

This book may be hard to top, but I hope Iles continues to write the story of Penn Cage, even if it is through his ancestors and/or descendants.

"Southern Man" by Greg Iles is like taking a thrilling rollercoaster ride through the heart of the American South! With characters as rich as the region's history and plot twists that'll keep you guessing until the very end, this book is a total page-turner. Iles perfectly captures the essence of Southern culture while weaving in themes of family, justice, and redemption that'll leave you pondering long after you've finished the last page. Grab a copy and get ready for a wild ride.

Southern Man has been a long time coming and it’s worth the wait to reunite with Penn Cage, and what is now his life. Thank you to Netgalley and William Morrow for the chance to read an ARC of this important book. Greg Iles I hope it’s not as long to wait for your next novel, you have a gift with words.

Southern Man, in my opinion, is without doubt the best novel that Greg Iles has written and that's not an opinion I hold lightly given the long list of great books he has written.
This is another Penn Cage novel and it is clear that this accomplished lawyer is nearing the end of his career, strong as ever professionally but suffering many of the joys of aging. That being said, Cage finds himself at the center of a story that includes national-level presidential politics and the continuing struggles of race relations in Mississippi, the South, and our nation.
This was not a short read but I could never leave it alone until it was over and when it was, I wished there was more because the characters were compelling, and, the story was hypnotic.

I received an ARC for free and gave my honest opinion voluntarily.