What do you think?
Rate this book
Carolina Slade #3
Palmetto Poison
Are peanuts capable of murder? Carolina Slade will bust this shell game.Big money, big politics, crime, greed, and big farming--Slade, an agriculture department investigator in the steamy state of South Carolina, once again finds herself planted in a dangerous mystery.Her assignment? Find out if there's a sinister connection between the drug-dealing arrest of wealthy peanut farmer Lamar Wheeler and the gruesome death of Lamar's teenage son in a car wreck. Especially since the dead teen is Governor Dick Wheeler's nephew.Of course, the governor's people practically sky-write STAY AWAY FROM THE FIRST FAMILY over the Palmetto state's capitol dome in Columbia, which doesn't make Slade's job easier. Couldn't she simply back off from what appears to be a tragic and ugly--but private--family matter? Not with hot-tempered DEA agent Pamela Largo on the case. Ex-wife to Senior Special Agent Wayne Largo, Slade's romantic interest, Pamela's hell-bent on using Lamar Wheeler's situation to re-open a cold case involving an Atlanta drug lord and Wayne's long lost sister, Kay. Soon Slade's shoveling shooflies uphill against Pamela's obsessions, the drug lord's vendettas, the Governor's secrets, and the bizarre realization that those secrets involve peanuts.
282 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 10, 2014
59 people are currently reading
486 people want to read
About the author
C. Hope Clark
40 books658 followersC. Hope Clark was born and reared in the South, from Mississippi to South Carolina with a few stints in Alabama and Georgia. The granddaughter of a Mississippi cotton farmer, Hope holds a B.S. in Agriculture with honors from Clemson University and 25 years’ experience with the U. S. Department of Agriculture to include awards for her management, all of which enable her to talk the talk of Carolina Slade, the protagonist in most of her novels. Her love of writing, however, carried her up the ranks to the ability to retire young, and she left USDA to pen her stories and freelance.
Lowcountry Bribe‘s won several awards to include finalist status of the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense sponsored by Romance Writers of America. The novel enjoyed semi-finalist status (top 100 out of 10,000) in the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Contest. The book went on to win the Silver Falchion Award for Crime Fiction twice and the EPIC E-book Award for Best Mystery three times.
Her books cover three mystery series in the Carolina Slade Mysteries, the Edisto Island Mysteries, and the Craven County Mysteries.
Hope is married to a 30-year veteran of federal law enforcement, a Senior Special Agent, now a contract investigator. They met on a bribery investigation within the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the basis for the opening scene to Lowcountry Bribe. Hope and her special agent live on the rural banks of Lake Murray outside of Chapin, South Carolina, forever spinning tales on their back porch, bourbon and coke in hand, when not tending a loveable flock of hens.
She also currently manages FundsforWriters.com, a weekly newsletter service she founded that reaches 28,000 writers to include university professors, professional journalists and published mystery authors. Writer’s Digest has recognized the site in its annual 101 Best Web Sites for Writers for two dozen years.
She’s published in The Writer Magazine, Writer’s Digest, and other trade and online publications. She speaks at writers’ conferences, book clubs, libraries and more, and has taught many webinars for the Writer's Digest University world. Hope is a member of Mystery Writers of America.
Lowcountry Bribe‘s won several awards to include finalist status of the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense sponsored by Romance Writers of America. The novel enjoyed semi-finalist status (top 100 out of 10,000) in the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Contest. The book went on to win the Silver Falchion Award for Crime Fiction twice and the EPIC E-book Award for Best Mystery three times.
Her books cover three mystery series in the Carolina Slade Mysteries, the Edisto Island Mysteries, and the Craven County Mysteries.
Hope is married to a 30-year veteran of federal law enforcement, a Senior Special Agent, now a contract investigator. They met on a bribery investigation within the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the basis for the opening scene to Lowcountry Bribe. Hope and her special agent live on the rural banks of Lake Murray outside of Chapin, South Carolina, forever spinning tales on their back porch, bourbon and coke in hand, when not tending a loveable flock of hens.
She also currently manages FundsforWriters.com, a weekly newsletter service she founded that reaches 28,000 writers to include university professors, professional journalists and published mystery authors. Writer’s Digest has recognized the site in its annual 101 Best Web Sites for Writers for two dozen years.
She’s published in The Writer Magazine, Writer’s Digest, and other trade and online publications. She speaks at writers’ conferences, book clubs, libraries and more, and has taught many webinars for the Writer's Digest University world. Hope is a member of Mystery Writers of America.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
May 25, 2014
Palmetto Poison is #3 in the Carolina Slade series by C. Hope Clark. I confess I have not read the previous installments, and almost opted not to review this book as I felt guilty for not starting at the beginning. After a bit more thought I decided to see if this book could stand alone. Many novels in series leave a reader lost by references to events from the previous stories, or spend so much time bringing the reader up to speed that I get impatient and annoyed. I'm pleased to say C. Hope Clark did a great job writing this so it can stand on its own, but now that I've enjoyed it I want to go back and read the others.
Although most book reviews start with a summary, I'm going to bypass that as you can read the summary above. Per Clark's website:
"Lowcountry Bribe (Book one), Tidewater Murder (Two), and Palmetto Poison (Three) are part of the Carolina Slade Mystery Series by C. Hope Clark. Set in rural South Carolina, the series follows the adventures of Carolina Slade, a smart, focused, sometimes over-thinking woman who’s learned she’s more than a Federal bureaucrat. She likes justice, just her own way."
So now, on to what I think of the book...
Main Character--Carolina Slade is a real woman. She's not perfect, but she's a well-rounded character and someone I could be friends with. She's a single mother to thirteen year-old Ivy and eight year-old Zack who are both normal, mischievous kids. It's nice to see a strong woman who doesn't come across as Super Woman doing her best to manage her family, career, and personal life with all the good and bad that comes with it. She has moments of insecurity, bad attitude, and naïveté, but she uses her connections and smarts to rise to each challenge.
Language--This is something I tend to focus on and be a bit hyper-critical of. I hate for all my characters to sound alike. Clark did a great job of giving each character a distinctive voice, and making those voices ring true to their regional roots. I don't mind reading with Google at hand, and I did look up some terms (note: the "lowcountry" refers to the coastal area of South Carolina's SE border). Prior to reading this, I didn't know the US Department of Agriculture had it's own federal agents. Clark's years with that agency provide a great background to the story. Additionally, I appreciate that there was very little profanity. The F-bomb was dropped once, but it was in the middle of a shoot-out, and honestly seemed appropriate.
Plot--The story kept moving and kept me turning pages. I love that I rarely saw the next scene coming. There was nothing predictable in this mystery. (OK, the romance part ended as expected, but that was a minor sub-plot in my opinion.)
Ending--This is always what makes or breaks a novel for me. Is the ending satisfying? Does it tie up all loose ends and sub-plots? Palmetto Poison had a number of seemingly disparate stories that all came together perfectly logically. Few characters or situations were as they first appeared, but it all made sense in the end. I was happy that everyone got what they deserved. I often finish a book thinking, "if only the author had..." That did not happen as I closed this book. Hope Clark resolved everything brilliantly.
Dislike--My only disappointment with this entertaining book was the one gratuitous sex scene. Every character, scene, and description in this novel served the greater good by either developing the action or character. In this case the scene in question did neither. Fortunately it was short and well written, but I think I would have been happier without it.
Recommendation--I thoroughly enjoyed Palmetto Poison and highly recommend it. I would give it 4.5 stars out of 5. Keep in mind it is a murder mystery/suspense novel, and would be rated PG-13 for language, violence, and adult topics if made into a movie. I look forward to reading more by C. Hope Clark. --By the way, it would make a great movie! I can already imagine which actors would play which parts.
Although most book reviews start with a summary, I'm going to bypass that as you can read the summary above. Per Clark's website:
"Lowcountry Bribe (Book one), Tidewater Murder (Two), and Palmetto Poison (Three) are part of the Carolina Slade Mystery Series by C. Hope Clark. Set in rural South Carolina, the series follows the adventures of Carolina Slade, a smart, focused, sometimes over-thinking woman who’s learned she’s more than a Federal bureaucrat. She likes justice, just her own way."
So now, on to what I think of the book...
Main Character--Carolina Slade is a real woman. She's not perfect, but she's a well-rounded character and someone I could be friends with. She's a single mother to thirteen year-old Ivy and eight year-old Zack who are both normal, mischievous kids. It's nice to see a strong woman who doesn't come across as Super Woman doing her best to manage her family, career, and personal life with all the good and bad that comes with it. She has moments of insecurity, bad attitude, and naïveté, but she uses her connections and smarts to rise to each challenge.
Language--This is something I tend to focus on and be a bit hyper-critical of. I hate for all my characters to sound alike. Clark did a great job of giving each character a distinctive voice, and making those voices ring true to their regional roots. I don't mind reading with Google at hand, and I did look up some terms (note: the "lowcountry" refers to the coastal area of South Carolina's SE border). Prior to reading this, I didn't know the US Department of Agriculture had it's own federal agents. Clark's years with that agency provide a great background to the story. Additionally, I appreciate that there was very little profanity. The F-bomb was dropped once, but it was in the middle of a shoot-out, and honestly seemed appropriate.
Plot--The story kept moving and kept me turning pages. I love that I rarely saw the next scene coming. There was nothing predictable in this mystery. (OK, the romance part ended as expected, but that was a minor sub-plot in my opinion.)
Ending--This is always what makes or breaks a novel for me. Is the ending satisfying? Does it tie up all loose ends and sub-plots? Palmetto Poison had a number of seemingly disparate stories that all came together perfectly logically. Few characters or situations were as they first appeared, but it all made sense in the end. I was happy that everyone got what they deserved. I often finish a book thinking, "if only the author had..." That did not happen as I closed this book. Hope Clark resolved everything brilliantly.
Dislike--My only disappointment with this entertaining book was the one gratuitous sex scene. Every character, scene, and description in this novel served the greater good by either developing the action or character. In this case the scene in question did neither. Fortunately it was short and well written, but I think I would have been happier without it.
Recommendation--I thoroughly enjoyed Palmetto Poison and highly recommend it. I would give it 4.5 stars out of 5. Keep in mind it is a murder mystery/suspense novel, and would be rated PG-13 for language, violence, and adult topics if made into a movie. I look forward to reading more by C. Hope Clark. --By the way, it would make a great movie! I can already imagine which actors would play which parts.
July 29, 2023
The best book of the series so far is far and away the third book. There were only twenty or thirty pages of drag. I just couldn't get that concerned about the angst the protagonist was feeling about her children finding other people to hang with. It's what teenagers do. There are ebbs and flows in all relationships. I appreciated the glance at South Carolina politicians. I'm sure they are much the way they were portrayed in this book. Clark must have met a few to know them so well. I also loved the setting of Pelion, a quaint, small town twenty miles or so south of me, and the use of its peanut festival. What really worked for me in the book though was the thriller aspect. Clark kept us on the edge of our seats all throughout the book with real stakes and real peril for the protagonist all the way to its satisfying, convincing end.
In her novels Clark straddles the edge of several genres to tell her story. You can never tell which genre will be dominant. That aspect of her storytelling alone creates interesting tension. Anyway, from personally having heard Ms. Clark speak about her novels and her writing process at our book club meeting in Pelion, I'm pretty sure she herself does not know which genre will dominate her book when she begins writing, if she even gives it a thought at all. One genre just naturally comes to the forefront during her creative process as her book progresses.
In the first of the series, drama was high as the protagonist went through divorce and vulnerability to find new love. The mystery was there and strong as well, and there was some thriller aspect to make for an exciting finale, but the drama (for some, melodrama) was the dominant aspect. In the second novel, there was some drama as Savannah and Carolina's friendship became tested, but the mystery aspect was the heart of the story. Again there was enough thriller to make the finale a page-turner, but the key to the novel was to figure out who was behind the scheme and that person's motive. It was hard to guess, a mystery lover's book for sure. In the third book, there was drama again, mystery too, but then the thriller aspect took the novel over. The stakes could not be higher as a main character was killed off and Carolina's family members imperiled. Of her three genres, I like Clark's thriller mode best.
This series is a wonderful portrayal of the Carolina Slade character (love that name). I hope Clark might revisit this character at some point in the future. Perhaps she and the protagonist of the Edisto Island Mysteries will meet some day. Isaac Asimov near the end of his writing career found a creative way to merge his Foundation and Robots series to reach new heights. Can C. Hope Clark do similarly? I sure hope so!
In her novels Clark straddles the edge of several genres to tell her story. You can never tell which genre will be dominant. That aspect of her storytelling alone creates interesting tension. Anyway, from personally having heard Ms. Clark speak about her novels and her writing process at our book club meeting in Pelion, I'm pretty sure she herself does not know which genre will dominate her book when she begins writing, if she even gives it a thought at all. One genre just naturally comes to the forefront during her creative process as her book progresses.
In the first of the series, drama was high as the protagonist went through divorce and vulnerability to find new love. The mystery was there and strong as well, and there was some thriller aspect to make for an exciting finale, but the drama (for some, melodrama) was the dominant aspect. In the second novel, there was some drama as Savannah and Carolina's friendship became tested, but the mystery aspect was the heart of the story. Again there was enough thriller to make the finale a page-turner, but the key to the novel was to figure out who was behind the scheme and that person's motive. It was hard to guess, a mystery lover's book for sure. In the third book, there was drama again, mystery too, but then the thriller aspect took the novel over. The stakes could not be higher as a main character was killed off and Carolina's family members imperiled. Of her three genres, I like Clark's thriller mode best.
This series is a wonderful portrayal of the Carolina Slade character (love that name). I hope Clark might revisit this character at some point in the future. Perhaps she and the protagonist of the Edisto Island Mysteries will meet some day. Isaac Asimov near the end of his writing career found a creative way to merge his Foundation and Robots series to reach new heights. Can C. Hope Clark do similarly? I sure hope so!
April 7, 2014
From start to finish, Palmetto Poison is proof that we need more characters like Clark’s Carolina Slade in fiction. Tough, determined, yet realistically vulnerable, Slade is thrown into trouble even as she tries to avoid it (and makes a little trouble for herself now and again).
This time the focus is peanuts, and this twisted cocktail of drugs, corruption, and deep family secrets proves more deadly than anything Slade has faced before. As the third book in the Carolina Slade series, this is some of Clark’s best work. Palmetto Poison’s story is tight, exciting, captivating, and oh so perfectly southern. Never have I seen an author so consistently tie setting to character.
Whether you’re up for a beach read or you want something to curl up with and read past midnight, Slade's newest tangle is delightful and engaging. Hands down, Palmetto Poison is the best mystery I’ve read this year.
This time the focus is peanuts, and this twisted cocktail of drugs, corruption, and deep family secrets proves more deadly than anything Slade has faced before. As the third book in the Carolina Slade series, this is some of Clark’s best work. Palmetto Poison’s story is tight, exciting, captivating, and oh so perfectly southern. Never have I seen an author so consistently tie setting to character.
Whether you’re up for a beach read or you want something to curl up with and read past midnight, Slade's newest tangle is delightful and engaging. Hands down, Palmetto Poison is the best mystery I’ve read this year.
February 16, 2014
Wild Turkey, Wayne & the Lake House
Carolina Slade is back again and as strong as ever in her 3rd book. If you have not read the previous two, no need, but I can guarantee you will once you finish this book. The story has the right mix of everything to keep you turning the page. It's more than a mystery, with fascinating characters, family madness, a dash of romance, and more than a few tests on relationship dynamics.
C. Hope Clark brings Slade alive and writes a story that makes you wish you worked with Monroe at the USDA. Slade makes women proud, she is strong, intelligent, and flawed. The last bit is what makes her so appealing, you end up reading this page-turner of a book wanting to reach out and help her.
Palmetto Poison will not disappoint, I finished the book imagining sipping Wild Turkey with Wayne on the dock.
Carolina Slade is back again and as strong as ever in her 3rd book. If you have not read the previous two, no need, but I can guarantee you will once you finish this book. The story has the right mix of everything to keep you turning the page. It's more than a mystery, with fascinating characters, family madness, a dash of romance, and more than a few tests on relationship dynamics.
C. Hope Clark brings Slade alive and writes a story that makes you wish you worked with Monroe at the USDA. Slade makes women proud, she is strong, intelligent, and flawed. The last bit is what makes her so appealing, you end up reading this page-turner of a book wanting to reach out and help her.
Palmetto Poison will not disappoint, I finished the book imagining sipping Wild Turkey with Wayne on the dock.
May 25, 2014
What begins at a peanut festival and ends at a nudist retreat? Palmetto Poison! C. Hope Clark puts Carolina Slade through the paces again in yet another fast-paced agricultural mystery as stubborn Slade evades attempts on her life while trying to solve a riddle about peanuts and politics for a dear friend. Clark had me blushing as Slade's quest led her to a nudist retreat where I had to stop and ask myself, "would I strip to save my sister?" Just when I think Slade is going to give up and throw in the towel, she is plunged into total chaos and at the risk of losing it all comes out the champion. This was a satisfying read, with enough gripping chapters to keep me up past bedtime turning the pages.
August 23, 2018
Carolina is a spunky, likable heroine. I do find her a little too hard headed at times, but that's also part of her charm. She has good chemistry with her boyfriend Wayne Largo and he's a good match for her. The plot and setting kept me interested and it was a quick read. The cliffhanger ending bothered me a little but that'll just make me read the next installment to find out what happens next in Carolina's life.
* I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
* I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 11, 2014
C. Hope Clark is a writer on fire. I liked LOWCOUNTRY BRIBE and TIDEWATER MURDER, but this third book in the Carolina Slade Mystery Series, PALMETTO POISON, is by far my favorite. This is a page turning thrill of a mystery. Just when I thought I had figured it out, I didn't. Can't wait to get my hands on the next book in the series, and I know there will be one, because Slade still has the ring box her man Wayne gave her sitting on her bedroom dresser. This one is going to be hard to beat.
June 4, 2017
This is the third outing for Carolina Slade and I think it's the best one yet. Full of vindictive bosses, corrupt politicians and dodgy business men, plus Slade's usual problems surrounding her kids and her relationship with Wayne. This time we also meet Slade's sister who is a great character; I hope we see more of her in future books. Hope has brought us another exciting read set in the county she knows and loves so well. Highly recommended.
September 28, 2019
What a wild ride, Carolina Slade is as real and frustrating. She is realistic in her Agriculture investigative job which becomes so much more than damp peanuts. Constantly outside of her "job" this is a complex, and driving mystery with every twist and turn.
March 28, 2014
A tall cup of lemonade. Mmm. Cool, refreshing. Just what a visit to Pelion, South Carolina’s annual Peanut Fair calls for.
But no, wait a minute . . . Splat!
Not when the beverage is thrown at your boss Margaret DuBose, State Director of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, just as she takes the podium during a goodwill mission to inaugurate the town’s new firehouse.
Quick thinking is called for. Action. Carolina Slade dives in front of DuBose, Slade’s lovely J.C. Penney loafers and khaki slacks catching the brunt of the sticky liquid — and thus begins PALMETTO POISON, the third installment of C. Hope Clark’s rousing and clever Carolina Slade Mysteries (ASIN: B00IE68F54, ISBN13: 978-1611944051, Bell Bridge Books, February 2014, 280 pp).
The cup-wielder turns out to be young C.J. Wheeler, teenage nephew of Governor Dick Wheeler. His father has been arrested and charged with dealing in illegal prescriptions from the VA, and the kid’s looking for someone to blame. Of course, he spews his anger, frustration and fear at the nearest government representatives: namely Margaret DuBose and her USDA entourage, Slade and Monroe Prevatte.
What boy wouldn’t?
Unfortunately, having recently solved a crime involving tomato farmers, Slade’s investigative proficiency precedes her. The kid’s not interested in being placated by a government agent imported from the Lowcountry for the purpose of arresting hard-working farmers on trumped up charges. With a squeal of his pickup’s tires, C.J. speeds out of the parking lot. The last time anyone will see him alive.
Single mother of two with a new house and a new job, constantly balancing work and her relationship with Special Agent Wayne Largo, Slade doesn’t need additional complications in her life. Coasting a while would be nice.
Yeah, right. When pigs take voice lessons and sing at the Met.
Slade is practically mowed down in the parking lot by her beau’s gun-toting, DEA agent ex. Her wayward, in the middle-of-a-divorce younger sister Ally arrives on her doorstep.
On top of all that, Dubose has arranged for Slade to meet privately with the governor — and the meeting doesn’t go well. Dick Wheeler requests her to monitor his brother’s case, to find out what evidence the DEA has on him. To keep him informed.
Not exactly Slade’s job. But plenty of fuel to keep fans turning the pages of Clark’s well-crafted PALMETTO POISON. This talented author invites readers to join her gutsy protagonist as she endures more irate family members of the accused farmer, being followed by a mysterious black SUV, her beau’s elusive sister (on the run from his DEA agent ex), accidents, a nudist resort, kidnapping and an investigation that turns deadly.
Clark once again delivers action, grit, tenderness and humor aplenty. If you haven’t read a Carolina Slade Mystery, I urge you to cut a fast-track to your favorite bookseller. If you have read the first two installments of this contemporary and unique series, LOWCOUNTRY BRIBE and TIDEWATER MURDER, then you’re in for yet another treat. PALMETTO POISON does not disappoint. I personally hope C. Hope Clark has a few more of these page-turners in the works.
C. Hope Clark holds a B.S. in Agriculture from Clemson University and has 25 years experience with the US Department of Agriculture. She also manages FundsforWriters.com, a weekly newsletter service she founded that reaches approximately 50,000 writers from professors and journalists to published mystery authors. To learn more about this author and her other works visit her website at www.chopeclark.com
Reviewed by Sharon Cupp Pennington, author of HOODOO MONEY and MANGROVES AND MONSTERS. Website: http://sharonpenningtonwrites.webs.com/
But no, wait a minute . . . Splat!
Not when the beverage is thrown at your boss Margaret DuBose, State Director of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, just as she takes the podium during a goodwill mission to inaugurate the town’s new firehouse.
Quick thinking is called for. Action. Carolina Slade dives in front of DuBose, Slade’s lovely J.C. Penney loafers and khaki slacks catching the brunt of the sticky liquid — and thus begins PALMETTO POISON, the third installment of C. Hope Clark’s rousing and clever Carolina Slade Mysteries (ASIN: B00IE68F54, ISBN13: 978-1611944051, Bell Bridge Books, February 2014, 280 pp).
The cup-wielder turns out to be young C.J. Wheeler, teenage nephew of Governor Dick Wheeler. His father has been arrested and charged with dealing in illegal prescriptions from the VA, and the kid’s looking for someone to blame. Of course, he spews his anger, frustration and fear at the nearest government representatives: namely Margaret DuBose and her USDA entourage, Slade and Monroe Prevatte.
What boy wouldn’t?
Unfortunately, having recently solved a crime involving tomato farmers, Slade’s investigative proficiency precedes her. The kid’s not interested in being placated by a government agent imported from the Lowcountry for the purpose of arresting hard-working farmers on trumped up charges. With a squeal of his pickup’s tires, C.J. speeds out of the parking lot. The last time anyone will see him alive.
Single mother of two with a new house and a new job, constantly balancing work and her relationship with Special Agent Wayne Largo, Slade doesn’t need additional complications in her life. Coasting a while would be nice.
Yeah, right. When pigs take voice lessons and sing at the Met.
Slade is practically mowed down in the parking lot by her beau’s gun-toting, DEA agent ex. Her wayward, in the middle-of-a-divorce younger sister Ally arrives on her doorstep.
On top of all that, Dubose has arranged for Slade to meet privately with the governor — and the meeting doesn’t go well. Dick Wheeler requests her to monitor his brother’s case, to find out what evidence the DEA has on him. To keep him informed.
Not exactly Slade’s job. But plenty of fuel to keep fans turning the pages of Clark’s well-crafted PALMETTO POISON. This talented author invites readers to join her gutsy protagonist as she endures more irate family members of the accused farmer, being followed by a mysterious black SUV, her beau’s elusive sister (on the run from his DEA agent ex), accidents, a nudist resort, kidnapping and an investigation that turns deadly.
Clark once again delivers action, grit, tenderness and humor aplenty. If you haven’t read a Carolina Slade Mystery, I urge you to cut a fast-track to your favorite bookseller. If you have read the first two installments of this contemporary and unique series, LOWCOUNTRY BRIBE and TIDEWATER MURDER, then you’re in for yet another treat. PALMETTO POISON does not disappoint. I personally hope C. Hope Clark has a few more of these page-turners in the works.
C. Hope Clark holds a B.S. in Agriculture from Clemson University and has 25 years experience with the US Department of Agriculture. She also manages FundsforWriters.com, a weekly newsletter service she founded that reaches approximately 50,000 writers from professors and journalists to published mystery authors. To learn more about this author and her other works visit her website at www.chopeclark.com
Reviewed by Sharon Cupp Pennington, author of HOODOO MONEY and MANGROVES AND MONSTERS. Website: http://sharonpenningtonwrites.webs.com/
May 26, 2014
Palmetto Poison is the third installment of a mystery series featuring Carolina Slade, a hard charging but flawed female protagonist. Slade is a new kind of hero coming from a little known branch of government, the Agricultural Department. She is a complex agent who often over steps her authority and then questions her own motives in doing so. This allows her to be used as a pawn by her superiors who may or may not have her best interests at heart.
As with many authors who write high energy thrillers C. Hope Clark writes in the first person. Unlike many of these authors Clark manages to convey detail into the setting and nuance into the peripheral characters, and there are many peripheral characters. There are so many well defined characters that the reader will find someone in the story to identify with. For instance, I would marry Allegra Jo (the protagonist's sister) tomorrow if she were real if I was available. For the most part this attention to detail and development doesn't prevent Clark from keeping the narrative moving. The initial chapters begin a bit slow as there's exposition from previous story lines that has to be dealt with. Hang in there it's worth the wait.
As far as genre is concerned Clark tends to cover a lot of bases; this could be categorized as a crime novel, a political thriller or a murder mystery. It even has a romantic subplot. Most of these approaches are done well, although the romantic element seems a little forced. This diversity of genre tends to make the narrative very complex. Readers of Lee Child or Nelson DeMille may find that aspect of the story overpowering but those coming to the book from a literary background will be satisfied. The colloquial charm of the setting and dialog add a conversational note to those of us familiar with life in the South.
The only problem I found with the work was the large number of times throughout the story where the previous two books were referenced. Clark makes these references cleanly and usually manages to work it into a plot point but it happens so frequently that it begins to seem like a marketing ploy and actually takes away from the story line. Had I have read the first two books in order prior to reading Palmetto Poison I probably wouldn't have noticed, but I feel each work should stand on its own. That's just my opinion, however, and it's definitely not a deal breaker in this case.
I would recommend Palmetto Poison to anyone who appreciates complex plots and well developed characters. It's obvious that Clark doesn't use a template from any genre but makes her own way in the world of fiction. Recommended.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of Palmetto Poison from the author in exchange for an honest review,
As with many authors who write high energy thrillers C. Hope Clark writes in the first person. Unlike many of these authors Clark manages to convey detail into the setting and nuance into the peripheral characters, and there are many peripheral characters. There are so many well defined characters that the reader will find someone in the story to identify with. For instance, I would marry Allegra Jo (the protagonist's sister) tomorrow if she were real if I was available. For the most part this attention to detail and development doesn't prevent Clark from keeping the narrative moving. The initial chapters begin a bit slow as there's exposition from previous story lines that has to be dealt with. Hang in there it's worth the wait.
As far as genre is concerned Clark tends to cover a lot of bases; this could be categorized as a crime novel, a political thriller or a murder mystery. It even has a romantic subplot. Most of these approaches are done well, although the romantic element seems a little forced. This diversity of genre tends to make the narrative very complex. Readers of Lee Child or Nelson DeMille may find that aspect of the story overpowering but those coming to the book from a literary background will be satisfied. The colloquial charm of the setting and dialog add a conversational note to those of us familiar with life in the South.
The only problem I found with the work was the large number of times throughout the story where the previous two books were referenced. Clark makes these references cleanly and usually manages to work it into a plot point but it happens so frequently that it begins to seem like a marketing ploy and actually takes away from the story line. Had I have read the first two books in order prior to reading Palmetto Poison I probably wouldn't have noticed, but I feel each work should stand on its own. That's just my opinion, however, and it's definitely not a deal breaker in this case.
I would recommend Palmetto Poison to anyone who appreciates complex plots and well developed characters. It's obvious that Clark doesn't use a template from any genre but makes her own way in the world of fiction. Recommended.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of Palmetto Poison from the author in exchange for an honest review,
March 8, 2014
Carolina Slade is back on the case in Palmetto Poison. Still warming up to her position as special projects representative for the USDA, Slade finds herself chasing ghosts in an open-ended, off-the-record case with South Carolina's first family seemingly playing puppet master. Does she follow the vague orders from Margaret Dubose, her boss and mentor, to keep digging or back down after veiled threats and being strong-armed by Dick Wheeler, the state's governor, to back off?
As if that weren't enough to be concerned with, Slade must contend with a trio of women who descend upon Columbia, each with their own set of issues. Ally, Slade's whirlwind of a sister, unexpectedly shows up at the lake house with her bags in tow and disrupts the family dynamic between Slade and her children. Hints of Kay, Wayne Largo's vanished sister, begin surfacing in the area as well, with remnants of her drug-addicted past not far behind. And Pamela, the aggressive ex-wife DEA agent of Wayne, bulldozing anything standing in her path to detain and question Kay.
While the story holds up very well on its own, Clark does provide some fan service for those who have read the two previous books - Lowcountry Bribe and Tidewater Murder - as well. Dubose still knows which buttons push Slade in the right direction. Harden is still a weasel. Monroe is still the dependable sounding board.
And, of course, South Carolina's unique people and places are again a character in their own right - this time with Pelion and its annual Peanut Party stepping up, front and center.
In the third installment of the Carolina Slade mystery series, C. Hope Clark seems to really be hitting her stride. I really enjoyed the plot for Palmetto Poison because it was woven deeper into the main characters instead of just turning the Slade series into a case-du-jour blueprint. This was, by far, my favorite of book of the series.
As if that weren't enough to be concerned with, Slade must contend with a trio of women who descend upon Columbia, each with their own set of issues. Ally, Slade's whirlwind of a sister, unexpectedly shows up at the lake house with her bags in tow and disrupts the family dynamic between Slade and her children. Hints of Kay, Wayne Largo's vanished sister, begin surfacing in the area as well, with remnants of her drug-addicted past not far behind. And Pamela, the aggressive ex-wife DEA agent of Wayne, bulldozing anything standing in her path to detain and question Kay.
While the story holds up very well on its own, Clark does provide some fan service for those who have read the two previous books - Lowcountry Bribe and Tidewater Murder - as well. Dubose still knows which buttons push Slade in the right direction. Harden is still a weasel. Monroe is still the dependable sounding board.
And, of course, South Carolina's unique people and places are again a character in their own right - this time with Pelion and its annual Peanut Party stepping up, front and center.
In the third installment of the Carolina Slade mystery series, C. Hope Clark seems to really be hitting her stride. I really enjoyed the plot for Palmetto Poison because it was woven deeper into the main characters instead of just turning the Slade series into a case-du-jour blueprint. This was, by far, my favorite of book of the series.
May 26, 2014
Book Review:
Palmetto Poison by C. Hope Clark
This was my first attempt at reading a Carolina Slade mystery by C. Hope Clark and I honestly was not sure what I was walking into as it is also outside of my usual genre.
The result? Clark has given credence to the saying “You never know if you’ll like it until you try it.” I absolutely loved it. I am very good at judging the end of books and up until I was reading the black marks on the white page I was not sure of how it would play out and even now I’m sitting here thinking “Wow… that person did it?!” And it made perfect sense.
Clark writes engaging characters who are absolutely believable as real people. They are nuanced, flawed and react to situations as any normal person would. Relationships are built, maintained, created, broken down and fixed in such a way as to make the reader think that this is how they would handle the same situation.
Her attention to detail is fantastic without being over the top so you get lost in the minutiae. It is easy to see Slades house, office and every other environment she describes. She touches on the previous two in the series enough so that the new reader understands what is happening without bogging pre-existing fans down with details of books they have already read.
By the final page I did not feel like I was missing the big picture or staring into the abyss that every reader hates known as the plot hole. Everything to do with the story was wrapped up nicely with the exception of Slade’s future which she left open ended.
Overall it was a great read. I couldn’t put it down, finished it in about six hours and now am on a mission this week to get the rest of the series.
Palmetto Poison by C. Hope Clark
This was my first attempt at reading a Carolina Slade mystery by C. Hope Clark and I honestly was not sure what I was walking into as it is also outside of my usual genre.
The result? Clark has given credence to the saying “You never know if you’ll like it until you try it.” I absolutely loved it. I am very good at judging the end of books and up until I was reading the black marks on the white page I was not sure of how it would play out and even now I’m sitting here thinking “Wow… that person did it?!” And it made perfect sense.
Clark writes engaging characters who are absolutely believable as real people. They are nuanced, flawed and react to situations as any normal person would. Relationships are built, maintained, created, broken down and fixed in such a way as to make the reader think that this is how they would handle the same situation.
Her attention to detail is fantastic without being over the top so you get lost in the minutiae. It is easy to see Slades house, office and every other environment she describes. She touches on the previous two in the series enough so that the new reader understands what is happening without bogging pre-existing fans down with details of books they have already read.
By the final page I did not feel like I was missing the big picture or staring into the abyss that every reader hates known as the plot hole. Everything to do with the story was wrapped up nicely with the exception of Slade’s future which she left open ended.
Overall it was a great read. I couldn’t put it down, finished it in about six hours and now am on a mission this week to get the rest of the series.
August 10, 2014
The best way for me to write a review of a Carolina Slade book is this way:
1. Slade deserves a purple heart trying to raise her preteen prima donna daughter, Ivy.
2. Dubose, Slade's boss, is driving me crazy with her expectations of Slade--especially the tight rope of loyalty in the midst of politicians and government agency vipers.
3. Ally Jo, the freewheeling, I'm-the-cool-aunt baby sister, needs a big smack.
4. Somebody needs to kick Pamela's a--.
These are just some of the thoughts that ran through my head while reading this C. Hope Clark mystery. The characters rise up off the page to greet you, annoy you, and keep you turning pages. No one is canned or prefab, a just-add-water insta-character to fit into the mystery formula. I think this is how Clark converted me to a mystery reader--because Clark keeps character foremost and the plot always an extension of motivation and choice.
I didn't like the setting and details of the mystery in this one as much as I liked the other two (I guess hog farms and migrant workers get me more intrigued than peanuts) but the story kept me hopping with unforeseen twists, especially with the character of Dubose. There's also a trip to shall we way, a "colony" that is the kind of visit we all should take at least virtually.
I'm ready for her new series and grateful for yet another book that gave me the Calgon, take me away gift. Bring it on, Hope!
1. Slade deserves a purple heart trying to raise her preteen prima donna daughter, Ivy.
2. Dubose, Slade's boss, is driving me crazy with her expectations of Slade--especially the tight rope of loyalty in the midst of politicians and government agency vipers.
3. Ally Jo, the freewheeling, I'm-the-cool-aunt baby sister, needs a big smack.
4. Somebody needs to kick Pamela's a--.
These are just some of the thoughts that ran through my head while reading this C. Hope Clark mystery. The characters rise up off the page to greet you, annoy you, and keep you turning pages. No one is canned or prefab, a just-add-water insta-character to fit into the mystery formula. I think this is how Clark converted me to a mystery reader--because Clark keeps character foremost and the plot always an extension of motivation and choice.
I didn't like the setting and details of the mystery in this one as much as I liked the other two (I guess hog farms and migrant workers get me more intrigued than peanuts) but the story kept me hopping with unforeseen twists, especially with the character of Dubose. There's also a trip to shall we way, a "colony" that is the kind of visit we all should take at least virtually.
I'm ready for her new series and grateful for yet another book that gave me the Calgon, take me away gift. Bring it on, Hope!
May 26, 2014
Palmetto Poison is not your average peanut allergy story
I'll admit I didn't know quite what to expect when I read Palmetto Poison by C. Hope Clark. This is the third in her Carolina Slade series.
I've followed Clark's blog and newsletter for writing advice for some time now. So, when she offered a copy of the book for review, I jumped at the chance. I'm glad I did.
In Palmetto Poison, Clark weaves together a story of suspense and political intrigue. But she does so in a way that keeps the reader engaged, always wanting to know what will happen next. Carolina Slade is a South Carolina agriculture investigator who gets thrown into a case that's far above her pay grade, and yet, she delivers. Clark keeps you turning the pages by continually forcing you to ask "what else could possibly go wrong?" Then you find out.
Palmetto Poison is well written and a comfortable read. Clark's conversational style writing helps the reader to feel as if Slade is a long time family friend. You learn to care about her, and her family.
Clark takes the reader into the seamy side of South Carolina politics all wrapped up in the archetypal southern family. Southern charm, it seems, can cover a multitude of sins. And never, no never, mistake the genteel style of a southern matriarch as a sign of weakness.
Palmetto Poison is an enjoyable read. I think it's time to go back and read the first two.
I'll admit I didn't know quite what to expect when I read Palmetto Poison by C. Hope Clark. This is the third in her Carolina Slade series.
I've followed Clark's blog and newsletter for writing advice for some time now. So, when she offered a copy of the book for review, I jumped at the chance. I'm glad I did.
In Palmetto Poison, Clark weaves together a story of suspense and political intrigue. But she does so in a way that keeps the reader engaged, always wanting to know what will happen next. Carolina Slade is a South Carolina agriculture investigator who gets thrown into a case that's far above her pay grade, and yet, she delivers. Clark keeps you turning the pages by continually forcing you to ask "what else could possibly go wrong?" Then you find out.
Palmetto Poison is well written and a comfortable read. Clark's conversational style writing helps the reader to feel as if Slade is a long time family friend. You learn to care about her, and her family.
Clark takes the reader into the seamy side of South Carolina politics all wrapped up in the archetypal southern family. Southern charm, it seems, can cover a multitude of sins. And never, no never, mistake the genteel style of a southern matriarch as a sign of weakness.
Palmetto Poison is an enjoyable read. I think it's time to go back and read the first two.
September 22, 2014
An excellent read I highly recommend even if you do not like to read mysteries. Luckily, I do love reading mysteries and crime fiction novels, because C. Hope Clark's book series does not disappoint at all. I give Hope's third book in her Carolina Slade Mystery Series a 5-Star rating because 'Palmetto Poison' is just as thrilling and can't-put-downable as her first two Carolina Slade mystery novels. Which, yes, I also read and highly recommend too! I cannot wait to read Book #4 in C. Hope Clark's mystery series! I think she is writing that now; at least I am wishing to read more about 'Carolina Slade' and from C. Hope Clark. In all of the author's Carolina Slade Mysteries, she has you truly caring about and loving all of the characters - whether they're bad people or good people, whether they're the loved ones of Carolina Slade or not. If you want to read a fantastic mystery series, read all three (3) of C. Hope Clark's 'Carolina Slade Mystery' novels. 'Palmetto Poison,' like the author's other two (2) books - 'Lowcountry Bribe' and 'Tidewater Murder' - will keep you up at night and will not leave your head even long after you have finished reading them.
January 2, 2015
I tried. I really did.
I needed a book with the word Palmetto in the title to finish a challenge, and thought I'd try a new author / new series read. I'm sure that there is a story worth reading in there, but the narrative was too choppy and bouncy to catch me and pull me in. I couldn't get lost in the story because the narrative kept interrupting me with yet another character to add to the already overburdened list, or there was yet another action scene with minimal description to carry me along.
It just ... wasn't very good. Sorry, Hope Clark. :-(
I needed a book with the word Palmetto in the title to finish a challenge, and thought I'd try a new author / new series read. I'm sure that there is a story worth reading in there, but the narrative was too choppy and bouncy to catch me and pull me in. I couldn't get lost in the story because the narrative kept interrupting me with yet another character to add to the already overburdened list, or there was yet another action scene with minimal description to carry me along.
It just ... wasn't very good. Sorry, Hope Clark. :-(
September 22, 2015
I was honored to get a complimentary audio version of this book, and I loved both the book itself and the recording. While Carolina Slade, the protagonist, pushed my buttons a bit, I realized that may be because, well, I'm much like her in some ways. I appreciated the layered story-telling in these pages, and I really liked the way geography and South Carolina culture set the tone for the novel. Plus, the story kept me engaged as it unfolded. Really enjoyable listen and read. Highly recommended.
August 26, 2016
This is the third book in the series, and it is well worth reading if you enjoy cozy mysteries. C. Hope Clark is every bit as a good as Lillian Jackson Braun.
Her books keep getting better with time, and I've enjoyed them all.
Her books keep getting better with time, and I've enjoyed them all.
May 25, 2014
I love the Carolina Slade series. The character has grown and like most of us makes a lot of mistakes, but in the end she gets things done with a lot of heart and gumption. I can so relate to this character and I highly recommend the series to readers of mystery and mainstream fiction. Good Times!
September 11, 2018
C. Hope Clark continues to amaze me with this series. Slade is such a likable character and I love her tenacity and strength! I think I enjoyed the plots of the other books only a slightly better, but this one was another winner for me. It made me both happy and sad in parts and that is always a good thing to have in a book. I love the descriptions and the dialogue scenes. The way every word flows just takes my breath away. I absolutely can't wait to read more about Slade in the series! I am sure everyone, whether you read mystery, romance, or something else will thoroughly enjoy this book laced with Southern charm!
April 13, 2020
I enjoyed the previous two Carolina Slade novels. But I think this one had more twists and turns that kept me on my toes. Of course, I was glad to spend time with Carolina and Wayne again, as well as her two children. Ms. Clark's work experience with USDA comes shining through. But another aspect she does so well is her secondary characters. Each one has their own distinct voice and not once do I feel like they are cardboard people moving through the story only as background for the main characters.
We are left with the potential HEA for Slade and Wayne. Can't wait to read the next C. Hope Clark book.
We are left with the potential HEA for Slade and Wayne. Can't wait to read the next C. Hope Clark book.
April 15, 2018
Carolina Slade is one tough cookie. In the third book of her adventures, C. Hope Clark keeps you guessing and then leaves you wanting more with a tease at the end. Clark’s breezy conversational style goes down smooth as sweet tea as Slade winds her way through the mystery. Any story that starts at a peanut festival, weaves around a a powerful Southern politician and ends up at a nudist colony is my kind of book! Clark’s words and settings conjure up cold beer, a bowl of shrimp & grits and a low country sunset…a perfect southern mix and a perfect southern mystery!
CLIFF YEARGIN
CLIFF YEARGIN
April 11, 2022
Not the best book in this series!
It felt way to contrived and all written up neatly to take Wayne's ex-wife neatly out of the picture for good. I don't like how this ended with Slade's mentor and boss ends up dead and the man left in charge of her office is her sociopath nemesis, Hardin. I also don't like the estrangement between Slade and her Mom now and after all the ways that Wayne has proven himself to Slade that she still can't commit to a man she professes to love. I hope the next book clears up all the messes we are left with at the ending of this book!
It felt way to contrived and all written up neatly to take Wayne's ex-wife neatly out of the picture for good. I don't like how this ended with Slade's mentor and boss ends up dead and the man left in charge of her office is her sociopath nemesis, Hardin. I also don't like the estrangement between Slade and her Mom now and after all the ways that Wayne has proven himself to Slade that she still can't commit to a man she professes to love. I hope the next book clears up all the messes we are left with at the ending of this book!
January 21, 2020
Carolina Slade is quite the investigator. She is constantly getting herself in sticky situations. Sine I live where the story is based, I enjoy hearing about places close to home. I also like how the author keeps you guessing throughout the story until the very end. Sometimes the story drags a bit and there were times when the facts of the different investigations were hard to keep track of. I would rate this as a pretty good book, but not a favorite.
April 21, 2018
C. Hope Clark has written another edge of your seat mystery novel. Twists and turns kept me guessing to an unexpected ending.
August 7, 2019
Great reading.
Great series of books. I will be waiting for more books from Slade and Callie Jean Morgan. They were all hard to put down.
Great series of books. I will be waiting for more books from Slade and Callie Jean Morgan. They were all hard to put down.
June 17, 2025
Just finished the 3rd “slade” book. Enjoyed it, she’s a tough cookie! Going to start #4 now!
March 16, 2017
A solid story with engaging characters
Who knew investigating agricultural crimes could be so deadly? Carolina Slade has one of those jobs that seems like it might be kind of boring...until people start dying. Her complicated family life, and that of her love interest sort of collide, too. And then there's chapter 15.
I stayed up way too late the second night to finish this book. I don't regret the missed sleep at all.
Who knew investigating agricultural crimes could be so deadly? Carolina Slade has one of those jobs that seems like it might be kind of boring...until people start dying. Her complicated family life, and that of her love interest sort of collide, too. And then there's chapter 15.
I stayed up way too late the second night to finish this book. I don't regret the missed sleep at all.
March 4, 2017
Loved this book!
Slade continues to engage readers in her escapades. I loved how Pamela was brought in as a main character in this third book of the series. When will the next book be released? Can't wait to read it!
Slade continues to engage readers in her escapades. I loved how Pamela was brought in as a main character in this third book of the series. When will the next book be released? Can't wait to read it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews