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With Full Intent
On the eve of April Fool's Day, 1933, a pair of elderly brothers and their two nephews were murdered in cold blood and robbed at the plantation owned by the brothers. After the bodies were discovered the next morning by a Black farmhand, local and state investigators allowed much of the evidence to be compromised by failing to secure the crime scene. In With Full Intent, Deputy Kendricks applies modern techniques to his investigation while working to counter racial prejudice and the ineptness of his law enforcement superiors. The case is further compromised when the state's one witness, the former girlfriend of one of the prime suspects, is murdered. Even Kendricks himself is compromised when he becomes romantically involved with the sister of that same prime suspect. Throughout the investigation, Kendricks works to overcome all the obstacles imposed by others and within himself to bring the perpetrators to justice.
228 pages, Paperback
Published February 2, 2024
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January 8, 2025Jon Gaskins’ With Full Intent unfolds like a slow-burning bonfire in the heart of 1930s Virginia. Set against the backdrop of the Great Depression, the novel begins with a chilling discovery of multiple murders on a plantation. The narrative hooks you immediately, transporting you to a time when law enforcement relied as much on intuition as emerging forensic science. The story explores the hunt for justice in a community torn by secrets and the lingering shadows of systemic inequality.
Gaskins doesn’t just describe the rolling fields or dusty roads; he places you there, with the smells of manure and tobacco leaves filling the air. The descriptions are sharp and raw, setting a stark contrast to the brutality of the crime at the heart of the story. The pacing, particularly in the first few chapters, builds tension effectively, even if some scenes linger longer than necessary. The characters are a standout feature, particularly Deputy Kendricks, who serves as a lens into the complexities of the investigation. His mix of naivety and determination brings authenticity, especially as he navigates not only the crime but also the entrenched prejudices of his environment. Floyd Williams, the black farmhand who discovers the bodies, is another compelling character. His role highlights the intersection of race and justice, especially poignant when he’s thrust into suspicion simply because of proximity to the victims. These dynamics made me empathize with Floyd, even as I winced at the systemic injustices he faced. Thematically, the book succeeds in exploring the fragility of trust and the consequences of greed. The depiction of the Cannon brothers’ wealth as both a shield and a target is particularly sharp. Scenes involving the safe—both as a physical object and a symbol of secrets—stood out as both metaphorical and plot-driving. The novel's treatment of burgeoning forensic science is another highlight. Kendricks’ visit to the Bureau of Investigation’s lab was a fascinating window into early criminology, showcasing both the potential and the limitations of technology at the time.
With Full Intent is a gripping historical thriller that thrives on its evocative setting and layered characters. It’s ideal for readers who enjoy crime dramas with a strong sense of history and don’t mind a bit of narrative indulgence. It is a story that lingers, reminding us of the human cost of justice and the ever-present scars of history. If you’re a fan of historical fiction with moral complexity and atmospheric depth, this one’s for you.
Gaskins doesn’t just describe the rolling fields or dusty roads; he places you there, with the smells of manure and tobacco leaves filling the air. The descriptions are sharp and raw, setting a stark contrast to the brutality of the crime at the heart of the story. The pacing, particularly in the first few chapters, builds tension effectively, even if some scenes linger longer than necessary. The characters are a standout feature, particularly Deputy Kendricks, who serves as a lens into the complexities of the investigation. His mix of naivety and determination brings authenticity, especially as he navigates not only the crime but also the entrenched prejudices of his environment. Floyd Williams, the black farmhand who discovers the bodies, is another compelling character. His role highlights the intersection of race and justice, especially poignant when he’s thrust into suspicion simply because of proximity to the victims. These dynamics made me empathize with Floyd, even as I winced at the systemic injustices he faced. Thematically, the book succeeds in exploring the fragility of trust and the consequences of greed. The depiction of the Cannon brothers’ wealth as both a shield and a target is particularly sharp. Scenes involving the safe—both as a physical object and a symbol of secrets—stood out as both metaphorical and plot-driving. The novel's treatment of burgeoning forensic science is another highlight. Kendricks’ visit to the Bureau of Investigation’s lab was a fascinating window into early criminology, showcasing both the potential and the limitations of technology at the time.
With Full Intent is a gripping historical thriller that thrives on its evocative setting and layered characters. It’s ideal for readers who enjoy crime dramas with a strong sense of history and don’t mind a bit of narrative indulgence. It is a story that lingers, reminding us of the human cost of justice and the ever-present scars of history. If you’re a fan of historical fiction with moral complexity and atmospheric depth, this one’s for you.
April 5, 2024
Gaskin delivers a smashing story of Southern noir!
In the tobacco fields of 1930s Virginia, novice Deputy Charles Kendricks navigates a web of corruption, racial tensions, and family secrets as he unravels a sinister conspiracy underlying a quadruple murder. Kendricks is a compelling protagonist, boldly proposing modern investigative tools to navigate the complex crime. Gaskin masterfully crafts a narrative that is as much about overcoming internal demons as it is about solving the murders. “With Full Intent” offers a deep dive into the challenges of upholding justice in a time and place where both the law and societal norms are stacked against the truth.
And for author Gaskin? Oh my--what a stunning debut!
In the tobacco fields of 1930s Virginia, novice Deputy Charles Kendricks navigates a web of corruption, racial tensions, and family secrets as he unravels a sinister conspiracy underlying a quadruple murder. Kendricks is a compelling protagonist, boldly proposing modern investigative tools to navigate the complex crime. Gaskin masterfully crafts a narrative that is as much about overcoming internal demons as it is about solving the murders. “With Full Intent” offers a deep dive into the challenges of upholding justice in a time and place where both the law and societal norms are stacked against the truth.
And for author Gaskin? Oh my--what a stunning debut!
April 17, 2024
Better than good! There's a new author on the block!
I grew up in the area where the story of the Cannon murders was told and retold over the years, and never solved. Until now. I think the writer of this book has spent a great deal of time to thoroughly investigate every aspect of the crime and has presented us a very logical conclusion. Can't wait for his next book!
I grew up in the area where the story of the Cannon murders was told and retold over the years, and never solved. Until now. I think the writer of this book has spent a great deal of time to thoroughly investigate every aspect of the crime and has presented us a very logical conclusion. Can't wait for his next book!
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews