The police investigation of a 1000 yr old tree being poisoned becomes about much more than just the death of a tree. Between finding evidence of serious crimes and maintaining a degree of seperation from the violence and protestors on the nightly news, these investigators and their team keep moving forward as they seek justice for all of their victims, including the tree.

I really enjoyed reading this mystery novel, it worked the way I wanted and I really enjoyed reading this. The characters were interesting and it felt quicker than it actually is.

This is actually a pretty good read! What started out as a lament over an old dead tree turned into a murder mystery. A lot is happening in this book and it's super fast paced, but at no point are you left wondering why you're reading it.

Another great surprise read from NetGalley!

Many thanks to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for the ARC. I really enjoyed it!

In Dead Tree Tales, author Rush leaming transports the reader to the sultry lowcountry setting of Charleston, SC for an intriguing Southern crime thriller that keeps the reader in suspense and turning the pages.

It all starts out with a case of arborcide, someone poisoning a thousand year old Southern live oak tree called Addison's Oak on St. Johns Island. But that's not all ... blood is splattered on a patch of grass on the back side of the tree and a severed finger, which leads to a Jane Doe murder case. But that's not all that is being stirred up in the sultry lowcountry air, there is also social and political unrest that rocks Charleston ... can the Charleston Police Department Team Eight members solve the various cases and restore harmony in Charleston?

Author Rush Leaming weaves a fast-paced and suspenseful tale that follows CPD Detectives Charlie Harper and Elena Vasquez along with the other members of the CPD Team Eight as they investigate a wave of dangerous cases that erupts in Charleston and the surrounding barrier islands, while trying to help longtime Charleston Mayor Jim Rawlings maintain law and order during a tense time of social and political unrest that hit this popular lowcountry city. The reader is easily drawn into this well written story with its richly descriptive plot and setting, it is filled with enough action and unsuspecting twists and turns that takes the reader on one heck of a thrilling roller coaster ride.

As a fan of Southern fiction and the lowcountry areas, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this crime thriller. I was intrigued by the alternating storylines by a variety of characters who each had difficult personal issues that they were dealing with, and how the characters and their personal issues were all interconnected with the cases and social / political unrest that were interwoven throughout the story.

You can't help but follow the history and trauma that befalls the townspeople's beloved Addison's Oak, while also following the investigation into the Jane Doe murder case, and all of the dangerous social unrest and political strife that is eerily similar to what our country has witnessed within the past year. This is a dark and intriguing thriller that keeps you riveted and guessing until the unexpected and surprising conclusion.

With an intriguing cast of characters; witty dialogue and dramatic interactions; dark secrets and betrayals; dysfunctional family relationships; and a richly descriptive setting that makes a person want to visit the picturesque city of Charleston, its historic landmarks, and the surrounding lowcountry areas; Dead Tree Tales is a classic Southern crime thriller that is a must read!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Partners In Crime Virtual Book Tours.

https://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot.com/2021/07/dead-tree-tales-by-rush-leaming-vbt.html

The taut, meticulously observed narration, which alternates between Charlie and Elena’s investigation of the case and the characters’ individual stories moves at a measured pace.

The enduring friendship between Charlie and Elena adds to warmth. The immersive detail and expert characterization keep the readers invested while Leaming throws in several surprising twists as the narrative builds to a startling finale.

Brilliantly plotted and filled with authentic police procedure, this compelling mystery profoundly contemplates the intricacies of romantic and familial relationships, friendship, individual struggles, anger and resentment, and issues of racial disparity. Fans of finely crafted whodunits will be pleased with this entertaining mix of character study and detective work.

Thank you to NetGalley for the arc of this book!

Dead Tree Tales by Rush Leaming starts with the poisoning of a spectacular live oak in North Carolina. Subsequently, the dying tree is not the most important part of the plot which moves quickly to more serious and alarming crimes, enveloping police detectives, a long-term mayor and his dysfunctional family, an attorney, and some truly scurrilous criminals in the action. Leaming's characters and their relationships are well-drawn and developed, and the book has a careful balance of plot and characters. For mystery readers this book is recommended.

The Dead Tree Tales is so much more than the story of the 1000-year-old live oak tourist attraction on John’s Island that has been poisoned. It is a story of Charleston and what it was and has become, it is a crime novel, it is a political novel, it is a story about relationships, love, heartache, greed, revenge, and mental illness. But most of all it is a look at what happens when deep rooted evil and hate are allowed to hide under the guise of do-gooders and politicians on both sides. Leaming does not mince words when describing what this country has become and the reasons that he believes have led up to it, but there is also a way to light and goodness and hope for the future if people will just see the goodness that is in front of them every day. He has created a beautifully crafted crime/political thriller set against the magnificent backdrop of Charleston that is a must read.

What a brilliant story!

This is really well written and grabbed my attention from the outset.

The story flows well and I really felt like I knew the characters.

Will definitely be looking for this author in the future!

Thank you Netgalley and Publisher for ARC

I have rarely read a book with such breadth of appeal. It is a mystery, a thriller, a romance and a demonstration of great literary skill. The writing style flows smoothly and the author does not shy away from presenting an often harsh picture of our modern reality. The characters are so clearly written you feel they might jump out of the pages. I always love an ending where I feel loose ends are tied and I can understand how things have been resolved, so big thanks to the author for that!

I was excited to read this book because of all of the 5-star reviews. I didn't rate the book with as much enthusiasm, but I did enjoy reading it. The story was great - it was a political thriller, a crime whodunit, and a romance all in one. There were so many storylines that might have been a problem had the author not crafted each one so masterfully.

The ending was a bit of a let-down, but I liked that all of the stories were wrapped up at the end,

Things I loved - that the plot closely mirrored current events, that the book took place in Charleston, SC, and that parts of the story were based on fact.

Wow! This is the fastest 500 page book you’ll ever read and one of the best as well. So much going on in this book on so many levels and it all works brilliantly. It’s a crime story but so much more. Amazing characters, settings, prose, themes, dialogue. Pretty much everything. I think this going to be one of those books that comes out of nowhere and makes a big impact.

I give it 100 stars. One of the best things I’ve ever read. On the surface it’s a crime thriller and a page turner, and it succeeds brilliantly, but it is so much more than that. Set in Charleston, SC in 2015 but it’s really a book about NOW. Incredible characters. The author pulls no punches with strong language and depictions of violence and despicable racism, but nothing worse than what we see on the news every night. But despite all the grim darkness, he gives the reader enough glimpses of light to have hope. Stunning!

Stunning book. I’ve never read anything quite like it. On the surface it’s a fast-paced crime thriller, but it goes much deeper than that. Incredible characters and storylines expertly put together. At times exciting, poignant, thought provoking. I couldn’t stop thinking about it days after reading it. This would make an incredible prestige TV series in the right hands.

Warning there is strong language, violence, and depictions of racist behavior.

But there is also an underlying sense of hope. Must read!