Barring Some Unforeseen Accident

by Jackson Tippett McCrae

Asked to travel back to the South in order to help out a small-town Junior League with the compilation of their cookbook, author Jackson Tippett McCrae finds that he's bitten off more than he can chew in this tale of odd recipes, social climbing, Southern customs, blackmail, murder, and mayhem. This tasty morsel, from the author of The Bark of the Dogwood-A Tour of Southern Homes and Gardens, will keep you flipping the pages in order to find out what each of the ladies of the Junior League are really up to when it comes to the cookbook they're planning. And the way the town's sheriff and his outcast lady-friend figure into the equation only serves to enhance this literary feast, as they become more than the side dishes they appear to be, and spice up the plot with more than the expected amount of gusto. With the usual twists and turns found in McCrae's books, Barring Some Unforeseen Accident is sure to please even those with the most discriminating taste.

What's the recipe for a good book? Take one New York author, throw in an invitation from five members of a Junior League to come South to help compile a cookbook, add one redneck sheriff, one town outcast, a host of people who've died suspiciously, combine with some mind-bending plot twists, and you've got one delicious (and disturbing) concoction that's sure to be a conversation starter at your next get-together. Such is the case with the latest Jackson Tippett McCrae novel, Barring Some Unforeseen Accident-a mixture of Southern Gothic, down-home fun, and small-town idiosyncrasies, all cooked together in this literary delight, that's sure to, well, if not please, at least keep you up all night.

353 pages, Paperback

First published February 28, 2008

Reviews

[^ · Rating 4 out of 5]

After the first few pages I thought that I spotted the glimmer of a good storyline emerging through what struck me as a slightly laboured style. I'm so glad that I persisted. Once I relaxed, ignored certain improbabilities, and fully entered into the verve and spirit of the author's storytelling, I realised that I’d picked up an absolute gem of a book.

I will remain silent about the plot, which twists and turns like an eel in a pot (I do not wish to spoil the enjoyment for future readers); other than to say that though I correctly anticipated some directions that the storyline takes; there were plenty I did not; and so I enjoyed very many delightful frissons of surprise and amusement (punctuated, at times, by “Ugghs”!). The author employs a very dry sense of off-humour to staggering great effect. This really is a very, very, funny, yet also charming, quietly, and utterly delightful, book; which I found very difficult to put down.

The setting and storyline of “Barring Some Unforeseen Accident” could make a winning screenplay, in the style and genre of “Love on a Branch Line” (BBC) or “Six Feet Under (HBO).”

Having done a quick search on the web, to find Mr McCrae’s website, I’m a bit concerned to see that his website hasn’t been updated in the last four years. I do hope he’s OK, and is still writing. Meanwhile, three cheers for a small(?) publishing house (Leo Press, part of Enolam Grp. Inc.) for identifying and bringing such a gem of a manuscript to a world-wide readership.

[Natalia Nazeem Ahmed · Rating 4 out of 5]

A whirlwind of a book. The first chapter opens with the author telling us that by the time this manuscript has reached the editor, he will have committed suicide. Starting at a high and ending at a high, the book manages to include a plot twist at almost every page. An exciting read and a page-turner if I've ever seen one.

[Dylan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author is a mad genius with his writing style. Always suspenseful and you never see the ending coming! one of my favorite authors

[Marie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dont bother. Read it on holiday otherwise I don't think I would have bothered myself. Silly little story with tiresome style. But not quite bad enough that I hated it.