Unraveled

Red River Mystery #6

by Reavis Z. Wortham

"Not only does Wortham write exceptionally well, but he somehow manages to infuse Unraveled with a Southern gothic feel that would make even William Faulkner proud... A hidden gem of a book that reads like Craig Johnson's Longmire mysteries on steroids." —The Providence Journal

Blending the racial topicality of the Sixties crime classic In the Heat of the Night with the coming-of-age poignancy of To Kill a Mockingbird, Unraveled presents a gripping investigation into the extremes of human nature—both at its most repulsive and at its redemptive best.

It's 1968; a time of race riots across America, the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King in Memphis, and polarizing demonstrations at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. In the rural Northeast Texas community of Center Springs, a car lunges through the guard rails on Highway 271's tightest curve and flings its two occupants down the new Lake Lamar Dam. What stuns the town's residents isn't the tragic accident but the identities of the two victims: Mayor Frank Clay, a white man, and Maggie Mayfield, a black woman who worked in his office. Each of them married to other people. What were they doing in Frank's car together?

Living with his grandparents, Ned and Miss Becky, in a little farmhouse near the Red River, fourteen-year-old Top Parker finds himself caught up in another adult situation. The war escalating between the Clays and the Mayfields is frightening in its intensity. More horrifying is a man calling himself the Wraith, who moves through the region at will, invading homes and watching the Parkers. The Wraith has his own deadly agenda. And it soon becomes clear to Top that, for some reason, he is part of it.

Genres: Mystery

336 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 4, 2016

About the author

Reavis Z. Wortham retired in 2011 and now works harder than before as the author of the critically acclaimed Red River historical mystery series. Kirkus Reviews listed his first novel, The Rock Hole, as one of their Top 12 Mysteries of 2011. True West Magazine included Dark Places as one of 2015’s Top 12 Modern Westerns. The Providence Journal writes, “This year's Unraveled is a hidden gem of a book that reads like Craig Johnson's Longmire on steroids.” Wortham’s new high octane contemporary thriller from Kensington Publishing, Hawke's Prey, featuring Texas Ranger Sonny Hawke was released in June, 2017.

Reviews

[Dorothy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reavis Wortham is an author who is new to me but he has written a number of books including those in the Red River mystery series. This book was the sixth in that series and even though I had not read any of the earlier books, I did not feel at all lost or confused by the action in this one.

The series is set in the (fictional) Northeast Texas community of Center Springs and the time is 1968, so I guess this would qualify as a historical mystery. The action kicks off when a car carrying the White mayor and one of his office employees who is Black plunges through a guard rail in a tight curve on Highway 271. The two occupants of the car are flung down the new Lake Lamar Dam and are killed. Each of the victims was married to other people and the community senses a scandal in their being in a car together. No one knows where they were going or what they were doing together.

All of this is viewed through the eyes of a White fourteen-year-old boy named Top Parker who lives with his grandparents in a little house near Red River. Top's grandfather is Constable Ned Parker, a man with a lot of common sense. Interestingly, there is a Black deputy named John Washington who seems universally respected in the community and there is also a female deputy! (In 1968 rural Texas? I don't think so, but then this is fiction.)

Top has a friend and cousin named Pepper. I'm sure their relationship harks back to the earlier books that I haven't read, but Wortham does a really good job of establishing their emotional connection and bringing those of us who have not read the earlier books up to speed. They are well-drawn characters who seem to run around just being kids and they are easy to like.

The plot here involves a traveling carnival, racism, and a family feud that has smoldered for years. Two deaths threaten to spark the smoldering into a full-blown fire.

This was a quick and easy read. Once I got into the book, it held my interest and I found it hard to put down. Wortham does a good job of describing rural northeast Texas, a place I have some familiarity with. There are now eight books in this series and I believe more are probably in the works. But I think I might actually go back and read some of the earlier ones as well. They are undemanding, the characters are believable, and the writing overall is quite good.

[Pop · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hate to see the end of this series. The series is one of my all time favorites.

[Gail · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well, this was not my typical reading fare! I felt like reading a novel and had only nonfiction books checked out from the library, so picked up one of my husband's library books to read. This one was full of violence, sexism/misogyny, and racism. The setting: 1968 in rural/small-town northeast Texas. People are getting killed, both in accidents and murders, and two clans--the Clays (white) and Mayfields (black)--are at each others' throats, quite literally. However, unbeknownst to virtually everyone, an evil person who thinks of himself as "The Wraith" is on the loose, causing at least some of the mayhem all by himself. This story definitely kept my interest, but I found it distasteful because of the fore-mentioned violence, racism, and misogyny. I also learned some slang/colloquial expressions, including for biracial people and women; I presume that at least some of the slang was considered derogatory. I can't say I recommend this book, although people (like my husband) have enjoyed this author's work. I guess I just don't have the stomach for this kind of material.

[Lisa Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

I skipped Dark Places in the series and went on to Unraveled. Mark is back and the Parker clan couldn't be happier until a car goes off the side of the road killing its occupants, a Clay and a Mayfield. That fast, an old feud is back on. In the week that follows, the little town of Center Springs has more fights and bodies than it can keep up with. Cody, now the sheriff, is directing things from the sidelines. His pen was found by the first body. Someone wants him blamed.

We get to see more of Norma Faye in this story, which I'm glad for. They've done a lot of talking about her but not much showing. Mark Lightfoot is back, another character I'm happy to see. This story deals with unfinished business, in the form of a feud and in Cody and Norma Faye's personal life. Those kinds of things always seems to come back around until they're dealt with.

[Kim McClusky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have just recently discovered this series and it is far from the the type of books that I typically read. The storylines have been somewhat upsetting at times with gruesome and gritty plots. However, setting aside the storylines themselves, I have loved getting to “drive” with the characters over the roads where I grew up. It is amazing to know exactly where each scene takes place. It truly makes the book come to life. I have also loved (and giggled at) some of the sayings used…takes me back to my childhood.

[Sherry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Riveting

Unraveled by Reavis Z. Wortham is a page turner. Lots of excitement packed into a short time frame, and will keep your interest to the last page, and whet your appetite for the next installment. There are 5 books in the series previous to this, and I recommend reading them in order for the best impact.

[Doug Sundseth · Rating 4 out of 5]

After several somewhat disappointing books, this book is much stronger.

The young narrator is not an afterthought to the main plot, and there is good character development throughout. The world of NE Texas in the '60s again shines through, and the plot is well handled.

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a Texan, born and raised so a novel set in 1968 Texas sounded interesting. Turns out that first book of Reavis Worthams that I read hooked me. I’ve read every one since. I have yet to read one that I didn’t really enjoy. Give any of his books a try and I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

[Stephanie Hill Alexander · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have so enjoyed this series and will look for the next family adventure.

[Roger · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good reading story. Previous books have also been very enjoyable to read. Recommend the series.

[Bill Lents · Rating 5 out of 5]

Family ties.....

Down home storytelling done right. Following the storyline that moved like molasses, like the backcountry way. Entertained this joyful read.

[Cathy Cole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author Reavis Wortham has created a world that seems so different from the 1960s that I grew up in, but it really isn't once I stop looking back with the eyes of a child. What makes Center Springs such a fascinating setting is that the town seems to have had the good fortune to put people with common sense (and common decency) in positions of authority-- like Top's grandfather, Constable Ned Parker. Although racism and bigotry can be seen everywhere, Center Springs is at the forefront of both civil and equal rights. Despite what the local bigots think, black Deputy John Washington is regarded with respect by most even though he's had to walk a fine line his entire life. Center Springs also has a female deputy who's proved her worth time and again. See? Typical, yet not typical at all.

But it's not just the police force that shines in this small community. I've watched Top and his cousin Pepper from book one, The Rock Hole. Life has thrown some horrible things in their path, but they're being allowed to be typical kids-- which is when most of the laugh-out-loud funny scenes occur. Yes indeed, Wortham's characters make his books shine because they are complex. They grow. They change. They can mellow (like Pepper is, thank heavens), and they can surprise.

Wortham's Red River mysteries work on so many different levels. As a coming of age story. As a pitch-perfect historical saga. As a police procedural. As visceral action tales. (And humor, too!) I have come to rely upon this author to present me with fine tales well told, and I have no intentions of missing a single one. You shouldn't either.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unraveled is the sixth Red River Mystery by Reavis Z. Wortham. I love this series. I have read all six books in the series and found them all to be fabulous reads.

I love going back to the 1960s in Reavis Wortham's Center Springs each. I look forward to it every time. Wortham is an amazing writer who combines wisdom with action and history. He realistically brings 1960s rural Texas to life. Unraveled is an excellent addition to the Red River Mystery series. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it.

Two deaths equals two families reviving a feud that had been smoldering. And someone seems to be trying to frame Sheriff Cody Parker. Constable Ned, Miss Becky, Top and Pepper are back once again to help readers navigate this tale. I am always suspicious of traveling carnivals and one plays a prominent role in Unraveled.

I cannot recommend this series enough. It is perfect for fans of recent history as well as mystery lovers. I highly recommend Unraveled.

[Carolyn Injoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unraveled: A Red River Mystery by Reavis Z. Wortham is a mesmerizing book about a small Northeast Texas community of Center Springs. The dialogue was crisp & true to regional speech patterns. The characters were well drawn & the story line intriguing. I gave it five stars.

It kept me guessing & I like that. I highly recommend this book & will read more of this author's work.

I received a complimentary copy from Poisoned Pen Press & NetGalley. That did not change my opinion for this review.

Link to purchase: https://www.amazon.com/Unraveled-Red-...

This is in pre-order status on Amazon and Barnes & Nobles so I could not post a review.

[CW · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book yet in the Red River Series by Reavis Wortham. This book was entertaining from the first chapter to the last and keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Mr. Wortham once again paints a vivid picture of life in rural Texas in the 1960s. This was a great mystery with all the usual characters from the series and some intriguing new characters.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mystery set in Texas during the 1960s. Kept me guessing which is always fun. I also felt the author did a good job bringing the person to that time and showing the strife between white and black people- heartbreaking as usual.

[Wyldrabbit · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book, it kept me guessing just like a good mystery should. Excellent.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Rev is one of the most compelling authors I know. When you start this book, don't plan on doing anything else!

[Logan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great addition to the series, not my favorite, but not my least favorite. Really love this time frame and cast.

[Judy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book Six in a series by a local author. The local flavor is delightful to me.

[Andrew Hall · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lot of unnecessary back story here. It was a slow burn to a predictible ending.

[Leah Cooper · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid read. Enjoyable mystery. Good character development.

[Mary]

love it...can not wait till more come out...please hurry