Southern Exposure: A Novel

by Linda Lightsey Rice

A lyrical new voice from the South weaves a searing psychological drama around a small town shocked by violence, a compelling portrait of human lives caught in the crucible of change.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Southern

356 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1991

Reviews

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another book for travel and leave behind. Set in a small town in the low country of SC made me think of my time in Beaufort, SC but without the murder!! The description of the area was wonderful and sometimes the best part of this 1991 debut novel of the author. I would have liked the focus to be on the murder of a long-time resident and the various small-town characters although many were stock tropes; than on the newest couple and their relationship issues. In fact, I don't know how the sex life of the wife was so relevant to the story, there was only one good connection that facilitated some empathy with another character. I'm not a prude but once again adding this aspect into the story was distracting and interrupted the pace of this murder mystery.

[Penny Ginn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story, but weak ending.

[Rae · Rating 3 out of 5]

The town matriarch in a small South Carolina town is found brutally murdered. Even though there is no evidence to suggest it, a local black woman is the main suspect because she practices voodoo and lives in the swamps. I loved the sultry Southern setting in this gothic-type mystery.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was pretty good for a who-done-it.

[Janice]

Southern Exposure by Linda Lightsey Rice (1992)

[Steph (loves water) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic, meandering, slow southern gothic, I really enjoyed it!