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Cass Adams #1

They Call Me Crazy

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Alternate cover edition for ASIN B00OSTANDS
For previous cover edition see here


Cass Adams is crazy, and everyone in Deacon, Kansas, knows it. But when her good-for-nothing husband, Roland, goes missing, no one suspects that Cass buried him in their unfinished koi pond. Too bad he doesn’t stay there for long. Cass gets arrested on the banks of the Spring River for dumping his corpse after heavy rain partially unearths it.

The police chief wants a quick verdict—he’s running for sheriff and has no time for crazy talk. But like Roland’s corpse, secrets start to surface, and they bring more to light than anybody expected. Everyone in Cass’s life thinks they know her—her psychic grandmother, her promiscuous ex-best friend, her worm-farming brother-in-law, and maybe even her local ghost. But after years of separate silences, no one knows the whole truth. Except Roland. And he’s not talking.

205 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 12, 2014

1242 people are currently reading
1984 people want to read

About the author

Kelly Stone Gamble

6 books437 followers
As a reader, my tastes are very diverse. I have a passion for the classics and love a good adventure. As a writer, I enjoy creating memorable characters that may be a bit eccentric, but experience life on their own terms.

I am the author of Ragtown, the USA Today Bestseller They Call Me Crazy, Call Me Daddy, and Call Me Cass. My work has appeared in a variety of publications including Red Earth Review, Tower Journal, Family Digest and Chicken Soup for the Soul.

My fiction has won awards from Pacific Northwest Writers Association, Writers Weekly, Writers Courtyard, Women on Writing and the Ground Zero Literary Project.

I teach communications, humanities and literature at Southeastern Oklahoma State University and make my home in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 162 reviews
Profile Image for megHan.
604 reviews86 followers
July 4, 2018
The story opens with Cass burying something in her backyard in the middle of the night. And if you're like me, a person who never seems to finish reading book descriptions, then you'll be as shocked as I was when you find out what it is. In just a few pages, you're sucked into a crazy, and sometimes hilarious, mystery into the death of Roland, a guy who has a side to him a lot of people are not familiar with.

Each chapter in this novel is from the point of view of a different character, and it was done really well. It was cool getting to know Roland, Cass, and everyone else, from the eyes of several people in this small town. As with any small town, everyone knows what is going on, but some people are really good at covering up their secrets, and it takes a murder - and the investigation of that murder - to bring those secrets out in the open.

The author does a great job with the characters in this book. At first, you may not like some characters, but that's only because you don't have the full story about them. Once you start getting to know them, though, you start to see that everyone is not what they seem, especially Cass. I was not sure about her until the night she got arrested (you'll have to read the book to find out what I'm talking about). My favorites were Clay, Shaylene, Grams, and the therapist.

There were lots of twists and turns that were not expected, and I really like the funeral and how things were ended.

Great story!! And I definitely plan to keep my eye on this author!!

Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. Please remember that this review is my opinion based on my own personal impressions of the book.
Profile Image for Laura Thomas.
1,552 reviews108 followers
January 31, 2015
I love it when everything comes together to make a really good mystery.

It was a dark and stormy night…Well, it was!

Cass, the town crazy lady, has finally had enough of her cheatin, beatin husband, Roland, and whacks him with a shovel, which she then uses to bury him in the fish pond.

When a torrential rain uncovers his body, Cass has to move him and gets caught red handed. You’d think it was an open and shut case once she confesses to murdering her husband. But nothing is what it seems in this peculiar little town and Cass is crazy, isn’t she?

I pictured the town as shrouded in fog, never sunny and bright. I guess I got that from the beginning scenes and carried it through the whole story. Made it creepy and more mysterious too.

Each chapter is narrated by a different character and this added to the fun. How do you figure out what really happened? Ask a dozen witnesses to an event and each one sees something different. Cass may have confessed, but she’s touched in the head , so did she kill him?

In a small town where everybody knows everybody’s secrets, this one is trying to stay buried and things get more and more convoluted until the truth is revealed.

A great debut by this author and I will be waiting for her next book.

I received this book for my honest review.
Profile Image for Icy-Cobwebs-Crossing-SpaceTime.
5,640 reviews330 followers
January 26, 2015
REVIEW: THEY CALL ME CRAZY

Cass has finally had enough. After 13 "good" years of marriage, and 5 years of it in a rural tarpaper shack surrounded by beautiful flowers (every single plant put in by husband Roland and each one covering a Mason jar of cash); after a lifetime living under the pejorative "crazy," a spouse who is both philandering and gaslighting, Cass has reached her limit, so she helps Roland to his earthly reward--underground. Unfortunately, their Kansas yard abuts a swift-flowing river, which floods, uncovering Roland--and a whole slew of other secrets.

Down-home folksy tone and endearing characters will elicit readers' empathy.
Profile Image for Cresta McGowan.
353 reviews14 followers
March 12, 2015
Have you ever experienced a reading slump? Where you opened several books and none of them caught your attention? And as an avid reader, this just kills your soul? Well - search no more - They Call Me Crazy by Kelly Stone Gamble will solve that problem immediately!

Ms.Gamble contacted me and asked me to do a review of her awesome novel. First: I love it when author's contact me! I feel all super special and whatnot. Second: Free book!

Cass Adams is crazy, and everyone in Deacon, Kansas, knows it. But when her good-for-nothing husband, Roland, goes missing, no one suspects that Cass buried him in their unfinished koi pond. Too bad he doesn’t stay there for long. Cass gets arrested on the banks of the Spring River for dumping his corpse after heavy rain partially unearths it. The police chief wants a quick verdict—he’s running for sheriff and has no time for crazy talk. But like Roland’s corpse, secrets start to surface, and they bring more to light than anybody expected. Everyone in Cass’s life thinks they know her—her psychic grandmother, her promiscuous ex-best friend, her worm-farming brother-in-law, and maybe even her local ghost. But after years of separate silences, no one knows the whole truth. Except Roland. And he’s not talking.

The Review:

From the first sentence, "There's nothing easy about burying your husband..." on I could not put this book down. I sat hunkered in my reading nook feverishly turning pages to find out exactly what happened. Cass is crazy, but there are twists involved in her crazy leading the reader down a different path. Ms. Gamble created real characters that connected with me as a person, not a reader. I felt pity for Cass, hate for Maryann, disgust for Roland. There is just enough hint at ghosts to be believable and the multiple narration technique is not confusing, it's convincing. This book is more than just a mystery novel, it's life in a small town suspense. Completely captivating. It's part Stephen King, part Nora Roberts, part Stephenie Meyer.

The book also employed excellent writing and narrative structure, which for me is a huge bonus! I find far too many mainstream fiction novels (those written for the masses) with sub-standard prose...not this one! A great read!

Looking forward to more work from this author. For more about Kelly Stone Gamble, visit her website at: http://www.kstonegamble.com
Profile Image for A Voracious Reader (a.k.a. Carol).
2,154 reviews1 follower
May 25, 2025
*Book source ~ A review copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.

Cass Adams gets arrested for the murder of her husband Roland. She was caught at night, covered in mud, trying to dump her husband in the river. Seems like a cut-and-dried case. But is it?

“There is nothing easy about burying your husband.” This sounds like a simple enough opening sentence. Making the arrangements, taking care of paperwork and saying goodbye. Burying a loved one isn’t easy. But that is not what Cass is talking about here. At all. She is literally burying her husband. With a shovel. In the back yard. The further I read the more I was compelled to read. What the hell happened to Cass to bring her to this point? Not only is Roland dead and she buried him in the yard, but she’s happy about it. I needed to know more! And the more I learned the deeper I became involved in Cass’s story. The writing is top notch and the characters bring out a variety of emotions as they dance across the page. Intriguing secrets are slowly revealed and the case against Cass comes together. Ah, small town living. Gotta love it. The mystery pulled me in and kept me firmly in the reading seat while the characters satisfied a range of emotions and a bit of paranormal eased my need for the supernatural. All-in-all a gripping tale from the intriguing start to the surprising jolt at the finish.

May 2025 ~ Purchased audiobook from Chirp
Profile Image for Lolly K Dandeneau.
1,933 reviews252 followers
December 30, 2015
"Maybe now that he's gone, he'll be easier to talk to."

Crazy... well it's a relative term. When Cass Adams decides to be rid of her bully of a husband (Roland), she hits him over the head with a shovel and buries him. Of course as the earth loves to reveal secrets, the rain uncovers him and damn if she doesn't decide to get rid of him again when she gets caught in a big way. Arrested for his murder the whole town wonders if she did it, some are convinced and Cass herself is professing her guilt. Her psychic grandma knows she didn't- her aura would surely show guilt if she had. Each character has their say and are all stuffed with quirks. Roland's brother Clay was always sweet on Cass, and like he says he liked her a whole lot better when she wasn't with Roland, so his 'death' isn't such a bad thing. Roland wasn't exactly a beloved brother, in fact he may have been downright cruel to those closest to him, even if he could charm the pants of everyone else (and in fact did, as Cass's best friend will tell you.) Clay is a bit strange himself with his beloved Worm farm that inspires off-putting cuisine.
This was a fun dark little read about a woman whose had enough and snaps, or doesn't- you don't really know for sure, or do you? Ha. It was a quick, easy fun read for a change of pace. I wish it were a little longer and that her grandmother's 'gift' was more involved. Fun though.
Profile Image for Gary Nilsen.
Author 3 books27 followers
December 16, 2014
From the opening paragraph of They Call Me Crazy by Kelly Stone Gamble to the very last sentence, you turn pages reading the words of a half-dozen quirky characters while trying to get a sense of what really happened to Roland Adams. Kelly never quite lets the reader get a firm grasp on the situation; it’s an off-kilter journey like a teetotaler with a wine buzz trying to navigate a crowded room. The novel is a revelation of personal agendas with a truly flawed but fascinating group of misfits in a small Kansas town aimed at helping the reader decide if Cass Adams is really crazy or not. This truly Southern Gothic book is not to be missed.
Profile Image for KathyAnne.
570 reviews97 followers
May 5, 2015
Very bizarre story...
Cass is a very disturbing character, I really didn't like her! Definitely the town crazy in every sense of the word. I found some of the content to be a little on the disturbing side and the constant change of POV made it difficult to follow.
I think there is an audience for this book, it just didn't suit me personally...
Profile Image for Lolly's Library.
318 reviews101 followers
September 17, 2016
A really fantastic debut novel with a great twist ending. Seriously, stick around for the very last sentence of the book... it's a killer (hur hur hur). I wasn't sure this would be my type of book when I first picked it up, but I soon found it hard to put down.

They Call Me Crazy doesn't start off subtly. From the very first, we see Cass Adams burying her dead husband Roland in the unfinished koi pond on their property with the shovel she used to whack him over the head. Or did she? When a torrential downpour uncovers her deceased husband's body, everybody assumes she killed him, so Cass confesses. Because of course she killed Roland. Didn't she? To stick with the theme of mental instability, each chapter is told from a different character's perspective, continually keeping the reader off-balance and continually making the reader doubt everyone's, including Cass's, sanity. As the story unfolds, and because of these differing P.O.V.s, we get varied impressions of the same scenes and actions, because no two people have the same recall, adding to the fractured, insane feel of the novel. Eventually, though, the truth finally comes out, after much agony, heartbreak, and pain, as usually happens.

They Call Me Crazy is incredibly sweet, yet sad and occasionally haunting, thoughtful, and even quite funny at times, perfectly capturing small town life in all its suffocating, claustrophobic, xenophobic grandeur. With so many characters involved, one might imagine the reader would get overwhelmed, but the author's skill in character development allows for each one to come forward, introduce necessary information about Cass and themselves, then fade back as the next character takes their place. Like an elaborate square dance, allowing you to quickly switch from the partner who talks too much to the one who steps on your foot at every turn to the one who holds your hand too tightly with their own sweaty, clammy palm, so you never have to spend too much time with each.

The only slip came after the reveal at the end of the book, where I realized the entire story should've fallen apart. It was rather sloppy on the author's part, but a minor flaw in the overall scheme of things. Otherwise, this is a fast, fun, surprising read that'll keep you on your toes until the very end

Thanks to Red Adept Publishing, Kelly Stone Gamble, and Goodreads giveaways for providing me a copy of this book.
Profile Image for Carrie.
3,567 reviews1,694 followers
December 25, 2015
Cass Adams has spent her whole life thinking she was destined to be married to Roland and that she was also "crazy". The local doctor and her husband have both been feeding her a pharmacy worth of different pills until one night she snaps. She has had enough of Roland's lying, cheating and emotional abuse so she kills him and buries in him the unfinished koi pond near their rundown shack Roland has moved her to away from town. Unfortunately the rain doesn't cooperate and starts uncovering the body and when Cass tries to move Roland to the river one of the men from town catches her and calls the local police chief. Cass freely admits to killing her husband but did she really??

A bit of a mystery and a lot of comedy involved in this little gem of a book. I wasn't too sure what I was getting into when I picked it up but thought it sounded interesting enough to give it a try. Actually really glad I did in the end, I found myself laughing on more than one occasion and really wasn't sure where it was all going to end up.

The story is told from the different perspectives of those involved. Cass, wife and possible murderess of our victim. Clay, Roland's older brother. Maryanne, former best friend of Cass who is in love with Roland. Babe, Cass' psychic grandmother, Daze, town local/friend of Clay and Roland, and Benny, local law enforcement.

Of course being a small town all of these characters have grown up together and everyone knows everyone. This story often reminded me of watching one of those daytime talk shows like Jerry Springer etc which is probably why I laughed during a lot of it...perhaps that's just my own weird sense of humor though. As with most of those talk shows you have the who did what to who and why in the world would anyone be in that type of relationship drama with just about everyone involved.

Overall, a little bit of crazy that was completely entertaining, would definitely recommend checking this one out.

I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....



Profile Image for Susan.
10 reviews2 followers
December 23, 2014
Kelly Stone Gamble’s debut novel is as full of twists as the small town where it’s set is full of rumors. They Call Me Crazy opens with Cass Adams just having finished burying her no-good husband in their unfinished kio pond with the same shovel she whacked him with—or did she? Everyone in town, including her, thinks so, but Gamble plants nagging doubts that keep readers wondering. The point of view shifts (a different character narrates each chapter) show just how many different ways the same person or situation can be seen by others. Bittersweet, a bit sad, surprising, and funny in sometimes eyebrow-raising ways, it’s an incredible example of captivating storytelling and unique character development. The one place spot where I was disappointed, but only mildly, would be a plot-spoiler, so all I’ll say is that it felt a tad too ordinary in contrast to the rest of the book’s extraordinary events and characters. All in all, this is a real “can’t-put-it-down” page-turner. I can’t wait for Gamble’s next book!
Profile Image for Becky Stephens.
270 reviews11 followers
February 2, 2015
Told from multiple points of view, They Call Me Crazy is a unique story. I felt the author did a fantastic job of firmly placing the reader in the minds of each of these characters--Cass, Clay, Maryanne, Babe, Daze, and Benny. Frankly, this story wouldn't be the same if it was told by one narrator. All of the characters' internal thoughts, as well as their actions, were believable.

The pace of the book just about right. While it took me a while to get used to the idea of diving into a different character's head at the start of a new chapter, I don't feel the pace suffered for it.

With surprises along the way and a satisfying ending, this is an interesting book. So, if you're looking for something a bit crazy, you'll enjoy this read, and I encourage you to pick up a copy for yourself.

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review
Profile Image for Linda.
681 reviews34 followers
February 17, 2015
There was a lot of dark humor in this twisted tale that could have taken place in any small town. The story exposes some serious issues of mental illnesses being improperly medicated by doctors who treat beyond their expertise. Cass lived her days in a fog and the best decision she ever made was dumping her pills down the toilet on that fateful day. Crazy ran in her family. When Cass was five, her mother committed suicide. Cass and her nine-year-old sister, Lola, were left in the care of their grandparents. Their grandma Babe was known for making potions, reading auras, and told fortunes with tarot cards. She was considered the town witch.

This story is told through multiple points of view that are clearly marked in each chapter heading. Each character rang true as they told us their perspective of the events as they unfolded. I could feel the sheriff’s frustration, and had to giggle as Cass’s big city lawyer put his spin on the situation. Small town secrets always have a way of coming to light, much to Maryanne’s dismay. The local fifth grade teacher has several secrets of her own and is expertly woven into Cass’s, Roland’s, and Clay’s lives. Clay was Roland’s older brother who after being discharged from the army after two years’ service, now spends his time with his worm farm when not working at the local hardware store. To say this town has colorful residents is an understatement.

I found this an entertaining read that pulled me in and kept me reading till my eyes wouldn’t stay open any longer. The setting of this book happens to be relatively close to where I live, so I could identify with the people, the problems that they dealt with, and situations that arose a little too easily. I appreciated the fact that Cass attempts to take full responsibility for herself instead of playing the crazy card and she doesn’t see herself as a victim. This was a well told story that left me with a smile on my face.

Format/Typo Issues: Even though I read an advanced readers copy and normally don’t comment on editing or formatting issues, I came across no issues to note.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy.** February 11, 2015
Profile Image for Richard Bunning.
Author 19 books90 followers
April 11, 2015
This is a beguiling and imaginative read, about an eccentric group of characters that remain individually believable even though in any combination they produce a potpourri with very weird odours and even whiffs of the macabre. Zany humour adds bounce to articulate flowing prose, making this book an easy yet rewarding read. I think of this as light literary fiction, with flourishes from, yes you guessed it, a potpourri of genres. Murder is the central focus, though the crime itself is really just a plot device to help us explore the psychology of the small town, rural, American characters.
The book is so pacy and easily absorbed, painting such graphic pictures, that I found myself drawn to compare it with elements of zany type TV series like Northern Exposure, Desperate Housewives, without the omnipresent voice, or even some of the irreverence and immediacy of character penetration in Breaking Bad. The multiple POV first person writing works a treat here, letting one get a very real feel for the characters and their view of the world. Each chapter is written from a different POV, with the main characters have the most chapters. I can't think of any comparisons with other authors that would be helpful, though I'm sure I've read at least one story by William Faulkner that has a similar feel. However vague and inaccurate my indication of style, I need to convey the sense of the immediacy and vividness of TV that comes through in Gamble's writing.
Please try to believe me- this book is well worth a try. If you start I'll be amazed if you don't finish, and what stronger claim to the books quality could I make than that.
Actually, if the first couple of chapters don't get you then sling it. There won't be many bruised cats, or broken Kindles, I'm sure.
Profile Image for Aimee.
5 reviews3 followers
March 27, 2015
Cass Adams, the protagonist of They Call Me Crazy, is, in-fact, crazy, but she’s also the sort of women I can see hints of myself in. Kelly Stone Gamble’s rich character-driven narrative has captured the town of Deacon, and all of the craziness inherent with each and every character. Told from the perspective of multiple narrators, the story of Cass Adams is engrossing. During our first introduction into her life, we see her burying her husband’s body in the unfinished koi pond. Through a series of vignette-like chapters, we get to know Cass both through her own self-perception, and general opinion of her from the residents of Deacon. Her former best friend Maryanne, her brother-in-law, Clay, her grandmother, Babe, the chief of police, Benny Cloud, and even Daze Harper, a man who seems to fall victim to Cass’s sharp tongue, all have very specific opinions about the woman who has been locked up for her husband’s murder. With a slew of unreliable narrators, the reader is left to figure out who to believe. Despite everything we know, Gamble is able to make you empathize with Cass. At one point, I even found myself hoping that Maryanne would go down for Roland Adams’ murder instead, despite her innocence in this crime. The book had me turning pages faster than most, and I read it in two sittings (I only had to stop to sleep). A great read that was quirky, funny, intelligent, and engrossing. With the variety of vivid personalities presented, I have a hard time imagining someone who would not appreciate this book.
Profile Image for Laurie.
616 reviews132 followers
July 18, 2015
Because of this book I may never want to eat another piece of Spice Cake, ever! This was a fun read that I was not real sure I would enjoy at first. I was a bit lost at the beginning, but then the story and the writing style sort of came together, and I discovered a real gem of a book.

The perspective jumps around between the various characters with every chapter change. This is a modern trend that I don't personally care for all that much, but here, in this book, I thought it was appropriate. I liked the way past events were woven into the current mystery storyline. It gave all the characters additional depth and helped me to understand their current situations better.

I loved the twists and turns and I was on the fence the entire book wondering what really happened to Roland. One of my favorite characters was Cass’s brother-in-law, Richard! I loved his witty and wise come-backs and the way he could argue a defense. I really got caught up in the lives of the characters and enjoyed every minute in their company. I particularly thought it ended well and I was left feeling optimistic and happy.

I received this book through the Kindle Unlimited lending program.

Reviewed by Laurie-J
Profile Image for Amberr Meadows.
50 reviews36 followers
February 6, 2015
Although Cass hooked me in the first line of ‘They Call Me Crazy’, I felt a twinge of disappointment when chapter two revealed that the story would unfold with multiple first-person points of view. Many authors attempt this route unsuccessfully, leaving behind a wake of confounded readers, bad reviews, and likely their own introspective regret. In this case, however, the author nails it.

‘They Call Me Crazy’ exceeded my high expectations, and Gamble’s natural execution of multiple first-person POV leaves no room for confusion or annoyance and provides critical insight into the lives and minds of every colorful character woven into a plot connected to the infamous Roland. Even though ‘They Call Me Crazy’ has an overall lighthearted feel making me smile more often than not, moments of poignancy and tragedy brought me to tears. Finding out why Cass loathed dirty feet is one of the ones to affect me on a deeply personal level, and that’s the only hint I’m giving out. I loved or identified with every character wronged by Roland, and Gamble captures the essence of a sleepy, southern small town flawlessly. I hate good books to end, but the ending of They Call Me Crazy is perfection.
Profile Image for Katie.
99 reviews3 followers
November 29, 2014
I can't tell you how perfect the ending of this book was. So good. In depth review to follow soon.
Profile Image for Angela Goodrich.
1,608 reviews102 followers
February 23, 2015
Every once in a while I like to pick up a book that’s outside the normal genres I read and They Call Me Crazy definitely fit the bill. I’m really not sure how to classify it as far as genres go because it’s not really a romance, although there is a teeny bit of romance in it; it’s not really a paranormal book, despite the fact that Cass’s grandmother is psychic and Cass sees dead people; it’s listed on Amazon as a mystery/thriller/suspense read, but with the way Ms. Gamble writes the story from multiple POVs it doesn’t really feel like a mystery because the reader is privy to most of what is going on. What it was, was an unearthing of family secrets of epic proportion with a big ole’ side of crazy.

Okay, so maybe it is a bit of mystery because as I try to think of what details about the storyline to include in my review, I keep hesitating as I don’t want to include a spoiler that ruins the book for someone else. The crux of the book is whether or not Cass killed her husband Roland. Even though Cass outright admits to the sheriff that she did it, we quickly learn that they don’t call her crazy for no reason because she is … or is she? The question of Cass’s sanity is just one of the aspects that made this such an enjoyable read for me. Ms. Gamble manages to address some major issues regarding mental health treatment in a very succinct matter and does it in such a way that its importance is highlighted without overshadowing the storyline.

As for Cass, she’s a hoot and a half. It’s not so much that she lacks a filter between her brain and her mouth as much as it is that doesn’t really care what others think. I found myself snickering in several places at her antics and the things that would come out of her mouth. Her spitfire attitude came in handy as she learned more and more about her husband posthumously. The man was no saint, not even close, and I’m surprised that someone didn’t off him years ago. Even though Cass can count on one hand the number of people who don’t hate her – she is an acquired taste kind of person after all – those that are truly close to her rally around her when she’s arrested and the rumors being to fly, including her husband’s brother Clay. Clay was just as enjoyable of a character and I absolutely loved the secret ingredient for his apple-spice cake. As one of the only people who knew how Roland really was, he never hesitated in his support of her. They Call Me Crazy was an outright enjoyable read for me as I was glued to my Kindle, waiting to see whose secret would be revealed next. Ms. Gamble has been added to my watch list.

I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Angela at Crystal's Many Reviewers!
June 30, 2015

This review originally appeared on my blog at www.gimmethatbook.com

Thanks to the author for gifting me this book in exchange for this review!

Sometimes I get review requests and I’m not sure I’ll like the book, but something tells me to take a chance anyway. THEY CALL ME CRAZY was one of those. I did some brief research and discovered that Goodreads had excellent reviews, so I took a gamble. I’m so glad I did! Well written and a shining example of the Southern Noir genre, this was a fantastic ride.

The chapters are all told in the perspective of each of the characters, which makes everyone a pretty unreliable narrator. Cass herself is also unreliable, as she is determined to be the “crazy” one early on. She routinely denigrates her husband, while others who know him paint him as a wonderful man. Those characters who appear as shining paradigms may or may not turn out to be the bad guys—you just have to read it and see for yourself.

Cass is a pretty sympathetic character right off the bat, despite her townsfolk attesting to the contrary. She is just marching to the beat of her own drummer and is comfortable there. She is definitely one of the most colorful characters I’ve come across this year.

The author’s knowledge of country towns and their foibles make the tale sing—her descriptions of the houses, hobbies, weather, and people’s sartorial choices place the reader firmly in the middle of Anytown, Kansas. You get just a whiff of desperation in the background; those who have not managed to escape to A Big City are resigned to make life as interesting as they can, while tearing down poor old crazy Cass. All through the book she maintains her guilt, telling anyone who is willing to listen that, of course, she DID kill her husband. How this story was going to be wrapped up was a big question in my mind as I read on. The author does not disappoint–the ending is just to the left of center and quite satisfying.

As the reader begins to understand the entire story (by piecing together everyone’s separate version of the truth), THEY CALL ME CRAZY turns into quite the delicious story; like one of those chocolate truffles that have many layers and then a sweet nougat at the center. Completely satisfying, humorous, and suspenseful, this unassuming story will make you think twice about those people in your life that seem just a little odd.




Profile Image for Rebecca.
Author 5 books69 followers
April 12, 2015
As a fairly new indie author myself, I'm always so pleased and humbled when a reviewer says, "I can't believe this is her first book!" I'm going to pass along that same supreme compliment here, because I marveled at how well-written and enjoyable--and I might add, well-edited--this book is.

The cast of characters is well-rounded, and each plays an integral part in the story. The author does us the great favor of designating who is talking at the beginning of each chapter. Each perspective adds depth and enlightenment to the story, especially in terms of how each views the protagonist and her dead husband.

Over-medicated and considered crazy by many, Cass Adams admits to killing her husband. We don't know what the actual motive is until later in the book, but we don't need to know the motive to understand that her husband was a pretty slimy guy who kept her isolated and cowed and who relentlessly threw the "crazy" word at her. But the book has so many rich nuggets to mine that I wanted to keep reading to unearth them. I wanted to know more about Cass, and about each of the characters, since the author infused each one with a unique, richly-developed psychological profile. And of course I wanted to know WHY Cass killed her husband. Ms. Gamble did a superb job of keeping me happily suspended, because I was enjoying the ride so very much.

The author's succinct description of the book is tight and verges on perfection. Read the description, then read the book. You'll be glad you did. Brava, Ms. Gamble!
Profile Image for Robin French.
47 reviews2 followers
July 28, 2015
An interesting read.

They Call Me Crazy tells the story of what happens to Cassandra Adams, and those around her, after she confesses to killing her husband Rolland. This was not my usual reading choice, but it was still enjoyable. Other's may find this book just their cup of tea, but for me it failed to completely suck me in.

Cass is more than a little crazy... or is she? This book does keeps you wondering what truly happened the night Rolland died. Each chapter is told from the view point of six different characters. It was fairly easy to follow along and keep up with the story line as it unfolded. The characters were believable and could have been someone you met in real life... some I sympathized with, some I liked, and some I just couldn't stand. I felt the story flowed well enough, if a bit long at times, and was twisty enough to keep the reader's attention for the most part. I truly liked the ending. Without giving away any spoilers, I will say that my favorite line in the book was the very last one. You'll have to read it to see what I mean.

I received this book free for a fair and honest review. All opinions are true, honest, and completely my own.
Profile Image for Sarah.
1,085 reviews101 followers
January 28, 2015
This was a quick mystery story that is filled with very unique characters in a very small town.

With a different narrator for every chapter, it does take a while to really get a grasp on everything that is happening, but the focus is mostly on Cass and finding out whether she actually killed her husband, and whether he deserved it. The plotline is fairly straight forward, but there are enough secrets and twists to keep a reader interested.

There is a lot of charm in the story. It really highlights how small towns think and interact. You really can`t get away from anything, or with anything, and once opinions are formed, they can be hard to change. There is a certain feel to small towns, which I think the book captured well.

Overall, I found this a quick and fun read that is perfect for a weekend escape.
Profile Image for Underground Book Reviews.
266 reviews40 followers
June 2, 2015
TOP PICK!

There is nothing easy about burying your husband.

While the novel’s main question – Did Cassie Adams murder her husband? – is obvious, the answer is anything but. From the very first sentence, author Kelly Stone Gamble coaxes (make that yanks) readers into a current of craziness. It’s clear that her novel, set in the fictional Deacon, Kansas, isn’t going to explore the expected everyday comforts and complexities of small town living. No, this mystery is going to take readers on a wild ride.

Gamble deftly usually multiple character perspectives to tell a story shrouded in secret fears, longings and . . . well, secrets. The plot, though fairly straightforward, doesn’t succumb to a linear, logical path, and this approach is spot on for spinning the narrative toward an unexpected ending...

...read more at UndergroundBookReviews(dot)com!
Profile Image for Georgiann Hennelly.
1,960 reviews25 followers
September 11, 2015
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Cass is know as the town crazy lady , Roland her husband beats her and cheats on her. One day she finally has enough and she wacks him on the head with a shovel and kills him. She than buries him in the fish pond. When a torrential rain uncovers the body Cass gets caught red handed moving the body. You' think it is an open and shut case being as Cass the crazy lady confesses to killing him. But nothing is as it seems in this small town where everybody knows everybodys secrets. How do you figure out what really happened ? Cass may have confessed, but she is crazy so did she really kill him? Or just think she did? I look forwrd to reading more books by Kelly Stone Gamble.
Profile Image for Diana Anderson.
Author 9 books38 followers
April 22, 2015
I was hooked from the very first page. What a great read from a first time author!
Everyone has a little crazy in them. Some just aren't afraid to show it. Cass is one of those people. The author set the pace and revealed dark secrets with perfect timing. Ms. Gamble painted several colorful characters. I was drawn to even the most unlovable of them. But Cass...Cass was my favorite. She stole the show right up to the end.
I'll be looking for more novels from this author.
Profile Image for Carrie.
40 reviews1 follower
May 6, 2015
This book has many elements that I enjoy: a misunderstood protagonist with a fiery personality, small town drama, & characters that are believable. If you like a good story with some mystery, romance, redemption, & forgiveness thrown in for good measure, I highly recommend "They Call Me Crazy" by Kelly Stone Gamble! Her story-telling ability is wonderful to behold & I love that this story is told through the eyes of different characters & their points of view.
Profile Image for Avria.
57 reviews
January 5, 2016
Fun debut and quirky mystery by Kelly Stone Gamble. Set in a small blue collar Kansas town told from multiple perspectives of lots of colorful characters. The protagonist, Cass, is being investigated for the murder of her low down dirty husband. Did she or didn't she, or is she just crazy? You'll never know for sure until the very end.
Profile Image for Lynda Dickey.
59 reviews5 followers
April 18, 2015
Wow! The story is told through the viewpoints of several of the characters and sucked me right in. The main character claims to have killed her husband, other characters don't think she did. The plot has several twists and turns. I really enjoyed this as the emphasis is really on the many-layered characters, their relationships, and how events and people appear to each differently.
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