Greg Iles is an exceptional storyteller in my book. The character, Penn Cage, who is portrayed as an attorney who has quit practicing so that he can spend his time writing, gets himself involved in the midst of great controversy and turmoil. The book, centered in Bienville, MIssissippi involves race relations, history, politics, criminal conspiracy, among other things. I enjoy the mix of history how it still influences present day. That said, I will never go to Mississippi after reading the Penn Cage books. I know they are fiction, but there is truth buried in these stories too. I would have liked to see an author's note to tell how much of this book, especially the historical references to journals and writings of slaves, is true. I know most of the horrible current scenarios in the book are fiction, but the some of the references to things that happened in the past I would like to know if any are true. I hope to have time to look up some of these references.

There is a tremendous amount of action in this book that will keep you glued to the pages - all 970 of them. Yes, this is a long book but definitely a good one to read. There is a radio personality who has charisma and is planning to run for president, someone is burning plantations, someone inciting riots, someone is committing murder. There are a lot of corrupt government officials and dirty cops. There is quite a bit of violence. Penn Cage is dealing with his mother dying, his own illness, trying to protect his daughter, helping the black community, delving into history, and trying to unravel what is happening in his city before it all comes apart. Anyone who likes a good thriller will love this book.

Thanks to William Morrow through Netgalley for an advance copy.

An outsider’s presidential campaign is fueled by racial violence.

Penn Cage, a former prosecutor who spent some time in elected office before becoming a successful author, is dealing with a lot in his life right now. His father, a beloved doctor in their corner of Mississippi, was killed while in prison for a crime which (despite his confession) he didn’t commit; his mother, suffering from a blood cancer which Penn shares, is hovering near death after a stroke; and that same form of cancer, which has been dormant in Penn for a long time and whose existence he has kept from his daughter Annie, is showing signs that the disease is becoming active. Events in the world, specifically in the cities of Natchez and BIenville, soon intrude and claim his attention. First, an outdoor rap concert held on the grounds of the Mission Hills plantation ends up as a mass casualty event when gunfire erupts between some attendees and the local police indiscriminately return fire; over two dozen suffer gunshot wounds. Most of those victims, including a documentary filmmaker well known to the Cages, are killed; a lucky few, including Penn’s daughter Annie, incur serious wounds but survive. All of the victims except Annie are black. In a country still struggling with the summer when George Floyd and the defund the police movement were part of the daily news cycle, and in a state where slavery and the KKK thrived, this tragedy inflames long-simmering tensions between racial groups. Suddenly grand mansions on former plantations are being burned to the ground, and a group calling itself the Bastard Sons of the Confederacy claim responsibility for the arsons. It is, they say bluntly, long overdue retribution for the white citizenry’s treatment of blacks through the years. With a presidential election underway, and with the candidates for the two major parties not satisfying all of their respective bases, a potential third party candidate emerges. A son of Mississippi, Robert E. Lee (Bobby) White is the grandson of a war hero, the son of a Hall of Fame baseball player, and was himself a Divison 1 baseball prospect who walked away from his college scholarship at Ole Miss to join the military, ultimately becoming part of an elite group who took down a high ranking Islamic terrorist in a raid that cost Bobby an arm. He is now the host of a highly popular conservative talk radio show who also has a strong TikTok following, and he raised more than a few eyebrows when he condemned the current Republican presidential candidate for his actions on January 6. When he announces his third party candidacy, what was a local racial conflagration gains national attention. But there is more to Bobby than meets the eye, and with Annie’s help Penn digs into his past in a bid to expose Bobby’s secrets and his true agenda before the divisive politics of the nation result in a second Civil War.
I have read the previous novels featuring Penn Cage and his family, and have long been a fan of Greg Iles’ plotting and writing. He has never been afraid to focus on the uncomfortable truths of life in the South, and his characters have been consistently well-developed and nuanced….no one is completely good, and few are irredeemably evil. His novels are neither quick nor easy reads, but they have always been thought provoking and worth the commitment of time. As such I was thrilled to receive an early copy of this, the latest in the Natchez Burning series, but was more than a bit disappointed in what I read. We live in a time of highly divisive politics, increasingly polarized and with ever-lessening civility, and quite frankly I enjoy being able to turn away from the news on television and social media and immerse myself in the world of fiction. Southern Man turns on a plot featuring a presidential election, but it is not a fictional (or even factionalized) one….the real names and entities from one side of the political aisle were continually introduced into the plot, in a way that lay complete blame for all that is wrong with US politics and racial tensions with those people and those entities. The corresponding names for those on the other side of the aisle were not similarly highlighted, however, making the author’s political views (to which he is certainly entitled) quite clear. If I want to hear someone blaring their political views and demonizing a political entity, party or movement, I need only turn on the cable news station of my choice (Fox or CNN, let’s say, depending upon which view I want to hear). But I don’t appreciate being bludgeoned by an author’s partisan position (whether it is a position with which I agree or not) in a work of fiction. A gifted writer can certainly use their prose to persuade a reader to consider an issue or stance, to open their eyes and their mind to what can be a differing point of view; but when it reads like a campaign policy statement, it runs the real risk of turning a reader off of not just the work they are reading but off the author, and based upon many of the reviews I have since read on Amazon and elsewhere, unfortunately Mr. Iles has done just that with this novel. The US is pretty evenly divided between the two political parties, as was evidenced by the extremely close presidential election back in 2020….why would any author want to risk offending or angering potentially half of their readership? I am more than a bit disappointed by Mr. Iles’ decision in this regard, though sadly this is becoming more and more common in all forms of entertainment. In a country where I believe most people truly have more in common with one another than they have differences, it is dismaying to see the arts focus instead on this polarization, I thank NetGalley and William Morrow for allowing me access to an early copy of Southern Man, and hope that the opinions I express above explain my reason for rating the book as I did.

Greg Iles is a brilliant author. I've read everything he's written and enjoyed each and every one. The long awaited Southern Man, is newly released.

Southern Man takes place fifteen years, after the end of Mississippi Blood. Much has happened in those years and as Iles details what is going on Penn, I had a mental image of a war horse - older, scarred, tired but in it for the battle.

But what is that battle? Natchez is literally burning again. Is it is a new chapter in a long running race war? A son of the south is gunning for another race - that of the President and White House. He's got a shot at it, but at what cost?

The cost has been high for Penn, his family and his friends. The effort to set things right has taken many lives. The political machinations taking place closed doors, and on doorsteps is frightening. History seems to be repeating itself over and over. Hate.

Southern Man is an amazing story told from many time periods and voices. The slave histories were hard to read. As were the current happenings. I must be really naive as the backroom politics shocked me. Lives used as pawns and moved strategically. But then I thought again - this too has happened in the near past.

Iles has penned an incredible book with a myriad of plot lines and a plethora of characters. The tension never lets up as the narrative races to a finale I couldn't have imagined. But one that isn't too far from the truth. Bravo Greg Iles.

Thanks to HarperCollins Canada and NetGalley and Killer Crime Club for advance copy. Penn Cage is back and in full force. If you haven’t read the Penn Cage series, now is the time. Politics, racial tensions, violence and greed, along with family and love are explored in this mammoth of a book. It makes you wonder where we are going as a society and how far do we go to keep are family safe. If you love the series, this is for you! If this is a new author for you, pick up the series and enjoy!

"Southern man better keep your head
Don't forget what your good book said
Southern change gonna come at last
Now your crosses are burning fast
Southern man"
(Neil Young)

A political thriller that takes a deep look at racial tensions in a small Mississippi town called Bienville. Long-simmering grievances ignite when white sheriff deputies recklessly open fire during a music festival attended mostly by young blacks, killing several and wounding more. Demonstrations take over the bluffs of the city in protest and the National Guard is called in. When two antebellum homes are torched and the beloved black mayor, who has been working for a peace resolution, is shot and killed, it begins to look like another Civil War is possible.

I've been wanting to read these thrillers featuring Penn Cage for quite some time so jumped at the chance to read an arc of his latest which was provided to me by the author and publisher via NetGalley. It turned out to be fine to read this as a standalone book as details in the plot caught new readers like me up on what had occurred previously.

I think probably what I missed out on most by jumping in this late in the series was the character development from previous books. Through the details of the story, I learned Penn Cage is an author and had been a prosecutor and the mayor of Natchez. At this point in his life, he is currently the city's attorney. His mother is dying of a blood cancer and has had a stroke. She has been working on the family's genealogy and has written what she has been able to verify in the form of a story. Some of those chapters appear in this book. Penn's daughter Annie is a civil rights attorney and Penn is extremely protective of her.

I couldn't quite get a handle on Penn in this story. At times he seems so wise, focused and rational, yet at others he seems so reckless, perhaps even capable of being driven to acts of vengeance. Granted, the situation they are facing is quite extreme and he is in some physical pain, having revealed he has the same cancer as his mother and is showing the symptoms. I'd like to go back in the series and learn more about him.

There are of course many other characters in this novel including the man who would do most anything to be president and the wealthy people willing to back him if he toes the line. Their political machinations are fascinating to watch. Lots of evildoers in this story but there are a few shiny lights of hope.

I can't end this review without mentioning the length of this story--nearly 1000 pages! So it is not light summer reading, by any means. But as events in the plot build to the inevitable exciting conclusion, the pages turn a little faster. It's a good mix of suspenseful thriller, historical fiction and discussion of important racial issues. I definitely want to read more by this author.

Book reviews
Greg Iles: Southern Man

Thank you NetGalley and William Morrow Publishing for the Advanced Reader Copy of Southern Man by Greg Iles. Greg Iles does it again with his newest Penn Cage novel! This book is jammed packed with twist and turns and some of our favorite characters. Iles knows just how to tell a story that you never want to end! Although this can be read as a stand alone book I highly recommend you read the previous 6 Penn Cage books in order to get the full story. One of the best things Iles did with this book was include so much of himself with Penn Cage. You really get a feel for Iles as a person and that’s something great an author can give to their audience!
This book is takes 15 years after Mississippi Blood and we find Penn Cage,once again,at the center of politically and racially fueled controversies. The book feels like we’re living it today but as always Iles brings the past shining through! Greg Iles, you created another masterpiece for us to crawl in and live!

Robert E. Lee White, internet sensation, has enough petition signatures to get him on every state as a presidential candidate. He has a polarizing effect on the nation and will pit Americans against each other. But, Penn understands what is about to happen and he does everything, including risking his life, to stop this madman.

Y’all know this is one of my favorite authors. And he has outdone himself with this one. Of course, I think I say that with every one of his books. But this book, especially the ending, had me all in knots! I was terrified with where this story was going to end up!

As in true Greg Iles fashion, he incorporates some of the best mix of good and bad southern characters. So, there is also racism, politics, arson, and murder thrown into this unique tale you do not want to miss.

Now, as I always say about his books. These are smart reads. You cannot skim. If you do, you will miss something vital and have to backtrack (speaking from experience!) This novel, as with all his novels, you need to pay attention to every detail because it will be the detail you need to know! Trust me!

Need a good southern novel with a little bit of everything…THIS IS IT!

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

“Southern Man,” by Greg Isles, William Morrow, 976 pages, May 28, 2024.

Fifteen years after the events of the “Natchez Burning” trilogy, Penn Cage is nearly alone. Almost all of his loved ones are dead, his old allies are gone, and he carries a secret that separates him from the world.

Then what might have been only a regional sideshow of the 2024 Presidential election explodes into national prominence, thanks to the stunning ascent of Robert E. Lee White, a 42-year-old conservative radio host, running as a third-party candidate.

White, an Afghan war hero, is dubbed “the Tik-Tok Man,” and is funded by Charles Dufort, an eccentric Mississippi billionaire. White is set to declare his candidacy in all 50 states at once. Then two Memphis police officers fatally shoot a mentally challenged 12-year-old Black boy who was carrying a toy gun.

Penn’s daughter, Annie, a civil rights lawyer, and a friend, Martine Boucher, a French filmmaker, are attending a Mississippi rap festival held in support of people protesting the shooting. White is also at the festival. When a Black gang member starts shooting and white sheriff’s deputies return fire, Annie is injured and Martine is killed. In all, 23 people die. White is instrumental in saving Annie.

Three days later, antebellum plantation homes are set on fire. The deadly attacks are claimed by a Black radical group as acts of justice. Panic sweeps through the tourist communities, driving them toward a race war. “For America this is a new crime under the sun: domestic terror clothed in the garb of historical retribution.”

Penn, Annie and Ray Ransom, a former Black Panther who spent most of his life in Parchman Prison, tear into Bobby White’s pursuit of the Presidency to try to expose its motivation to the world.

“Southern Man” has excellent pacing and a riveting plot. Greg Isles has a commanding knowledge of U.S. history. Several characters show true courage. It is riveting. This is bound to be on many best of the year lists.

Penn Cage is a minor character in some of Greg Isles’ books. That is why this is the seventh Penn Cage book, but a follow-up to the “Natchez Burning” trilogy, which is “Natchez Burning,” “The Bone Tree,” and “Mississippi Blood.” While “Southern Man” can be read as a stand alone, it is an excellent trilogy.

In accordance with FTC guidelines, the advance reader's edition of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a review.

If all of his past novels didn't prove it, this one solidifies that Greg Iles is the best fiction writer working today. This gripping, action packed historical fiction novel grabbed me from the first page and I didn't stop until I had blown through all 975 pages. A mixture of action thriller and historical fiction, this last book in the Penn Cage series takes his characters to a new level and hits hard with intense scenes of racial unrest and unscrupulous politics, I literally could not put it down. Highly recommended

Thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for an advanced reader copy

Greg Iles does it again! Southern Man, the 7th Penn Cage novel, is over 900 pages long, but is so well written, I breezed through it and was left wanting more. (Fingers crossed for an eighth novel.)

If you love historical fiction, or action films, this is the book series for you. Greg creates a fictional world that dives deep into the real history of the south and how the effects of slavery and racism still affects the modern day world. I dare you to try and find a more action packed book.

Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

Southern Man by Greg Iles was a suspenseful read with intriguing characters.
I thought the writing was masterful. There is never a dull moment, nor is there ever a moment when my attention drifted or the storyline dulled.
Isles is a master at character development and describing action and this book was full of it.
In true Isles fashion with great writing and a fast-paced narrative.

Thank You NetGalley and Publisher for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

Southern Man by Greg Iles is a novel that grips you with its intense portrayal of our society on the brink of disaster.

Set in the familiar landscape of Natchez, Mississippi, we revisit the life of Penn Cage, a character who has evolved through Iles’ previous works, most notably the Natchez Burning trilogy.

In this latest installment, Iles takes us fifteen years forward from the events of the trilogy, into a world that is all too recognizable. The country is ablaze with racial strife and political turmoil, mirroring the post-Trump era’s tensions with unnerving accuracy. The narrative opens with a violent incident at a hip-hop concert held at a former cotton plantation, which leaves Penn’s daughter, Annie, injured and sets the stage for the unfolding drama.

The novel is not just a thriller; it’s a profound commentary on the American psyche, the fragility of democracy, and the deep-seated scars of history that continue to shape the present. Iles masterfully weaves multiple storylines, ensuring that each thread is given its due attention, creating a tapestry that is both complex and complete.

Penn Cage is a character who carries the weight of his past, his family’s legacy, and the future of his town on his shoulders. His personal struggles with health and family loss add layers to the narrative, making him a protagonist who is as flawed as he is heroic. The antagonist, Robert E. Lee “Bobby” White, is a character that embodies the dangerous allure of power and the seduction of a nation in search of easy answers to complex problems.

Iles’ writing is sharp, his observations astute, and his ability to create a sense of place is unparalleled. Southern Man is a novel that not only entertains but also challenges the reader to reflect on the state of the world and the paths that have led us here. It is a book that resonates with the current moment, where the line between fiction and reality is blurred, and the stakes are as high as they can get.

For those who have followed Penn Cage’s journey, this book is a must-read, offering closure and a new perspective. For newcomers, it stands strong on its own, inviting readers into a world that is rich with history, conflict, and the eternal quest for truth and justice. Greg Iles has once again proven why he is considered one of the great storytellers of our time. Southern Man is a mirror held up to America, reflecting the tumultuous and transformative times we live in, predicting an all to real possible future for the US, as we precariously balance on the edge of another civil war thanks largely to Trump's efforts to tear this country asunder.

Master storyteller Greg Iles (favorite author) returns with his highly anticipated popular Penn Cage series with #7, SOUTHERN MAN —a man— town—family —a past —present —rocked by tragedy and a fight for justice in this riveting Southern political thriller.

About...

Against the backdrop of Mississippi, the past meets the present in this gripping masterpiece novel fifteen years after the Natchez Burning trilogy.

Penn Cage is alone; his loved ones and allies are dead. He has family secrets. He finds himself drawn into a web of suspense, mystery, and intrigue regarding a decades-old mystery surrounding his own family.

There is a tragedy at a Mississippi music festival that triggers a bloody mass shooting—one that nearly takes the life of his daughter Annie (now a civil rights lawyer).

As the stunned cities of Natchez and Bienville reel, antebellum plantation homes continue to burn, and the deadly attacks are claimed by a Black radical group as historic acts of justice. Panic sweeps through the tourist communities, driving them inexorably toward a race war. Sinister and powerful forces are at work with ruthless hatred, greed, and political forces.

Penn is suffering from cancer, his mom's death, and worries about his daughter and her family. SOUTHERN MAN honestly explores the truth and complexities of American history and the contemporary US presently.

My thoughts...

Greg Iles is a remarkable storyteller whose passion shines through with his love of writing and the South. SOUTHERN MAN is a compelling, thought-provoking, gripping story of suspense, family secrets, identity, the complexities of race and class, prejudice, belonging, forgiveness, and redemption. Fully immersive and deeply atmospheric with vivid settings, the author brilliantly draws you in from page one to the end.

INTENSE, multi-layered, complex, twisty, and fast-paced, there are real and uncomfortable truths about the past and present, and the author does not shy away from these essential, timely, and emotionally charged topics. From the present political climate and Civil War-era slavery issues, this is an eye-opening critical novel by one of the best writers out today.

I have been a long-time fan of the author, and he deserves a medal for delivering this astounding novel amid his own health crisis, much like his character Penn Cage. Iles and Cage fans will devour it! I highly recommend it.

Recs...

This is for Greg Iles and Penn Cage fans, John Grisham, David Baldacci, John Hart, Nelson DeMille, John Sanford, Michael Connelly, Robert Dugoni, and C.J. Box.

A special thank you to William Morrow and NetGalley for the honor of reading an advanced reading copy for an honest review.

Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars
Pub Date: May 28, 2024
May 2024 Must-Read Books
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Greg Iles has hit yet another grand slam with “Southern Man.” For Iles’ fans, Penn Cage returns after 17 years in this fast-paced, high drama thriller. The book is extremely well written and hard to put down. My greatest challenge was reading it slow enough to enjoy the thought-provoking prose while greedily wanting to turn the pages faster in order to find out what happens next.

Life has moved on for Penn Cage, the hero of many of Iles’ books. He is no longer the mayor of Natchez, MS, nor is he even living in the town of his birth. Trials and tribulations are not limited to Natchez and they continue to follow Cage. Set in today’s environment, this tale is challenging, entertaining and slightly uncomfortable. Favorite characters from the past return. Like a puzzle, the pieces of Cage’s life come together in this latest story.

As in past books, Iles does not skirt around harsh realities, both past and present. He makes you stop and think, sometimes questioning long-held beliefs. He masterfully weaves today’s storylines into this work of fiction. At times, it becomes a little too close for comfort.
An excellent book. Like the best storytellers, Iles forces you to put it down for a moment to think about what you just read. Quite frankly, it’s worth a second or third read just because there is so much to absorb.

The 7th Penn Cage installment is one that many Greg Illes Fans have been waiting for. However, this one is a huge investment. This final Cage novel is over 900 pages. You have been warned. True fans won’t want it to end.

There is shooting at a rap concert. Soon a racial war is in effect. Southern antebellum homes are on fire. Anarchy. Is this really just another black lives matter situation? Powerful people at play are politically motivated. Is this tied in?

While this story goes down a complex road, Cage is battling cancer. With death in tow, he will do anything to save his family. The thing that sets Illes apart from other authors is his intense characterization. Superb writing with an excellent finish.

Gripping, raw, violent. Racism and politics. Death and loss. Be prepared for a dark tale that is much closer to home than we think.

Thanks so much @William Morrow, @Greg Illes and @NetGalley for the opportunity. Publication date May 28, 2024
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks for the opportunity to read this book prior to its release. The story is a slow burn with a lot going on and and as someone who has not read previous books in the series I was admittedly lost for a bit. It was a bit more political than I usually read but overall it was very well written and engaging. I would recommend that people read the first books first but I did manage through without having done so - I now am heading back to book one that started it all.

Southern Man is the seventh book in the Penn Cage series from Greg Iles. All can be read as standalones.

"Fifteen years after fighting the Double Eagles Penn Cage is almost alone. A brawl at a Bienville music festival turns deadly when deputies fire into the crowd. Many people are injured and several die. Before the town can catch it's breath, someone begins torching well-known Antebellum mansions. A close friend of Cage's is shot dead by a deputy and mass protests erupt. The eyes of the nation are on Bienville and Cage is desperate to protect his daughter and remaining friends, hoping the city doesn't descend into chaos and carnage."

Iles puts a lot into this 976-page book. There is a commentary about what the Antebellum mansions represent and the lengths that Mississippi lawmakers will go to to maintain power. Iles is not afraid to kill a character. He killed Cage's wife a couple of books ago. No one is safe and you never know what is happening next.
There is a charismatic character running as a third-party candidate. He has secrets and there's a darkness that's not readily apparent to everyone.

A grand opus from Iles to make you think and ponder. Reads quickly for a thousand page book.

It’s a banger!! It grabs you from word one and keeps you entertained. It would have been a 5 star read for me but the closing scene dragged on way too long.

Southern Man by Greg Iles is the long-awaited next installment in the Penn Cage series. It is packed with history, action, dread, and atmosphere. Iles is easily one of the best writers out there.

Robert E. Lee White (Bobby) is a right wing radio personality who rose to fame on TikTok. He’s planning a third party run for President and won’t let anything get in his way.

Penn is dealing with a lot; it’s been many years since the events in the Natchez Burnjng trilogy. His dad Tom was murdered in a prison riot. His mom Peggy is currently dying from cancer. He is dealing with the same cancer and also lost part of his leg in an accident years ago. Annie is an adult - she is a civil rights lawyer working with Doris Avery.

There are racial tensions boiling under the surface in Mississippi, and the political climate and current events mirror real life: black lives ended by police shootings, mass shootings, MAGA republican hatred, etc. Penn is trying to diffuse the situation in his town, but things keep escalating. Bobby white is everywhere- is he a friend? Or is he pulling the strings?

This book is a slow burn. It is amazingly written, but it’s a lot: a lot of history, a lot of trauma, a lot of violence, and a lot of dread.

Thanks to the publisher, the author, and Netgalley for the advanced copy in exchange for my review.

Greg Iles just keeps getting better - and I hope he DOES get better so he can keep feeding us Penn Cage Novels!!

Just an amazing book, and THANK you for allowing me to have it!