Helpful Score: 9
Excellent novel of psychological suspense with characters I cared about. I actually stayed up nearly all night in order to finish the book, which is very rare for me. Part mystery, part gothic (in the old-fashioned sense). Betrayal and redemption. And yes, this is exactly what it's like to live in a small town.
Helpful Score: 6
Having grown up and still living in Kansas, I couldn't wait to read this book. It's a very good book, depicts small town life and our tornado season very well. I really enjoyed it. I thought the switch from writing about a teenager's feeling and emotions was very well done. Having said all that, I found the story line too easy to figure out, which is the only thing that keeps me from thinking this is an excellent book.
Helpful Score: 5
this book is one that you cant miss!! If you love suspense and mystery please dont deprive yourself of this wonderful novel. It is worth your while
Helpful Score: 4
This is one of the best books I've read so far this year. It had it all. Beautiful prose, an unforgetable story with heartbreaking loss that was painful for me to read at times, but with the hope of redemption. I really loved this book!
Helpful Score: 2
The Virgin of Small Plains starts with Abby and Mitch deciding to make love for the first time. Abby's dad is a small town doctor and since the young couple were not prepared for this first time love making, Abby sends Mitch down stairs to her father's office to grab a condom from his supply closet. While Mitch is in the closet, even though it is late at night, the doctor rushes in followed by the town's sheriff with the body of a young girl found frozen in a field. She has obviously been murdered and the two adults are trying to hide her identity. Mitch witnesses their actions from the closet and as soon as he can slip out, runs home and admits what he has seen to his parents who are friends of the doctor and sheriff. Mitch is then rushed out of town by his parents to a new school and life leaving Abby trying to figure what on earth has happened to him. The story is a page turner with Mitch returning 17 years later to unravel the mystery. I now have a new favorite author and I will be putting her books on my wish list.
