Panther Creek: Madness And Murder

by T.C. Donivan

Mississippi Tuesday, May 19, 1896

Civil War veteran Babalard Creech has murdered two of Panther Creek’s leading citizens. The local Sheriff is called upon to pursue Creech into his lair deep in the swampy hills of the Mississippi delta country. This fast paced story unfolds over the course of a single week in the lives of an unforgettable group of people that include young deputies Jake Church and Sam McCain whose inexperience and bravery will be put to the supreme trial in their pursuit of Creech.

Danny Price, survivor of the Little Bighorn, will join them in their hunt for Creech along with Uncle Catfish a alcoholic, sometime deputy and Joe Crowfoot, an ex-slave who lives in the shadow of Creech’s hills. You will also meet the women in Jake and Sam’s lives:

Avice Markham, the banker’s daughter who is engaged to young Sam. Carrie Aster, widow of one of the murdered men who lusts after Sam. Juliana Franklin, born of mixed blood, white and black parents, the object of Jake’s desires. Ionia Desmond, scarred and shunted aside by society, who harbors an unrequited love for Jake and who may be the only decent human being in Panther Creek.

As the story climaxes, Jake and Danny lead a posse into the hills to track down Creech resulting in a mortal battle that will leave men dead and crippled, changing the lives of everyone involved forever.

Panther Creek is a meticulously researched and highly visual novel full of excitement and humor in the style of Larry McMurty and Elmer Kelton, drawing on the history of the Mississippi delta region in a turbulent time. It incorporates the best of the Western, Historical and Action genres with unexpected twists and revelations.

191 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 22, 2012

Reviews

[Arlena · Rating 4 out of 5]

By: T.C. Donivan
Published By: Northern Writer.com
Age Recommended: Adult
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: 4
Book Blog For: GMTA
Review:

"Panther Creek: Madness & Murder by T.C. Donivan was a historical read during that period of time. This fast paced novel took place in Mississippi on a Tuesday, May 19, 1896 and all of the happenings, happen in the course of one week . The story is of a Civil War veteran named Babalard Creech who has murdered two of the leading citizens of Panther Creek. Now we have the sheriff has be called seek Creech out from the hills of the Mississippi country. There will be a lots of characters some well developed, some well portrayed, real, colorful and even believable. This will be one story that you will have to pick up and read to fully understand what is going on as this posses tracks Creech down. What all will happen? This author really worked his magic at keeping the reader interested. You will get a very good research story that is full of 'excitement and humor.' Yes, Mr. Donivan this was interesting novel and I would recommend "Panther Creek: Madness & Murder" as a good read.

[Haley Whitehall · Rating 2 out of 5]

Civil War veteran Babalard Creech has murdered two of Panther Creek’s leading citizens and now the local Sheriff is called upon to pursue Creech into his lair deep in the swampy hills of the Mississippi delta country.

I actually give this novel 2.5 stars. I liked it because of its historical accuracy, but I wanted deeper character development. Yes, this book has a large cast of quirky characters but I never felt like I got to know them on a personal level. Also, a lot of scenes were glossed over. The author wanted a fast-paced plot but it was almost too fast for me. I would have liked more details and not so much telling to move the story along.

All in all this book is a decent look at life in Mississippi in 1896.

[T.c. Donivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked it. But then again, I wrote it.