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Elizabeth Goodweather Appalachian Mystery #5
The Day of Small Things
A night of reckoning . . .
A dawn of danger . . .
In the misty folds of Appalachia, the girl they call Least grows up cursed by her mother’s cruelty and blessed by her neglect. Deemed unfit to join the outside world, Least turns to the wisdom of the land, to voices she alone can hear, to legends left by native Indians, and to the arts of divination and healing. But the time comes when Least has to choose between a doting suitor and her childhood magic, between his church and her spirits. Now, as her life enters its final chapter, her world has been invaded by a violent criminal with a chilling plan. To stop him from committing an unspeakable crime—and to free an innocent child—the woman who was once Least must break long-held promises, draw on long-buried powers, and face a darkness no one else can even see.
From the Paperback edition.
432 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 28, 2010
17 people are currently reading
174 people want to read
About the author
Vicki Lane
9 books88 followersVicki Lane is the author of AND THE CROWS TOOK THEIR EYES as well as THE DAY OF SMALL THINGS and of the Elizabeth Goodweather Appalachian Mysteries from Bantam Dell:IN A DARK SEASON, OLD WOUNDS, ART'S BLOOD,SIGNS IN THE BLOOD. Vicki and her family have lived in western North Carolina on a mountain farm since 1975.
For lots more info, go to http://vickilanemysteries.com which has a section on the writing of CROWS (and recipes and FAQ about writing and who knows what all.
or check Vicki's blog http://vickilanemysteries.blogspot.com
For lots more info, go to http://vickilanemysteries.com which has a section on the writing of CROWS (and recipes and FAQ about writing and who knows what all.
or check Vicki's blog http://vickilanemysteries.blogspot.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
January 21, 2012
Like those of Sharyn McCrumb, Deborah Grabien, Phillip DePoy and Erin Hart, Vicki Lane's books mix folklore and old crimes with contemporary mystery. In The Day of Small Things, Lane steps aside from her Elizabeth Goodweather series to explore the history of Miss Birdie, a character who has had a part to play in some of the previous books. Birdie -- who has had several different names in her long life -- richly deserved her own book.
Readers looking for a fast-paced, thrill-a-minute story will not find it here. This is a book to get lost in -- lost in another time, another place, another world. It's been clear throughout the series that Miss Birdie is something more than a kindly old country neighbor, and through this book we find just how much more she is.
The tension between old ways and new ways is a major theme in The Day of Small Things . And if you think of Appalachian forms of Christianity snake-handling for example as "old ways " you may be surprised when Miss Birdie goes back to still older ways to help her late husband's kinfolk in their time of crisis. As I said above readers who just want action and detection may not enjoy this book. There is not a lot of mystery in the detection sense but there is plenty in the spiritual sense. I loved spending these days with Miss Birdie and I know too that having read book: The Day of Small Things will deepen my appreciation for Lane's next book in the Elizabeth Goodweather series. Very highly recommended.
Readers looking for a fast-paced, thrill-a-minute story will not find it here. This is a book to get lost in -- lost in another time, another place, another world. It's been clear throughout the series that Miss Birdie is something more than a kindly old country neighbor, and through this book we find just how much more she is.
The tension between old ways and new ways is a major theme in The Day of Small Things . And if you think of Appalachian forms of Christianity snake-handling for example as "old ways " you may be surprised when Miss Birdie goes back to still older ways to help her late husband's kinfolk in their time of crisis. As I said above readers who just want action and detection may not enjoy this book. There is not a lot of mystery in the detection sense but there is plenty in the spiritual sense. I loved spending these days with Miss Birdie and I know too that having read book: The Day of Small Things will deepen my appreciation for Lane's next book in the Elizabeth Goodweather series. Very highly recommended.
January 31, 2012
In the past, I have thought of Vicki Lane as Sharyn McCrumb's ugly Appalachian step-sister. Good, but not in the superlative class of McCrumb. With this book, while I didn't completely change my mind, Lane edged a LOT closer.
I have enjoyed the Elizabeth Goodweather mysteries -- why not? After all, we share a great deal: fifty-ish ladies with grown children, interested in neighbors, dogs, herbs, gardening, and nature. With the last book In a Dark Season, Lane began adding in the historical underpinnings of her Marshall County life -- and the back story really deepened the characters for me. In this book, more about the Cherokee worldview is brought in, and that was also fantastic.
Now we hear about Elizabeth's neighbor Birdie's extraordinary life -- and it was a riveting read. Birdie's evolution from "Least," to "Redbird," to Birdie was truly fascinating. I love when a minor character is suddenly brought into sharp focus. Lane has done a good job with that throughout the series: for example, Cletus is seen through many characters' eyes in several books. The preacher Harice and the "Two Sisters" are recurring characters. Lilah Bel is another. The Little Sylvie story is touched on again in this volume. It makes the world of Marshall County feel very real, yet still magickal.
BUT, not 5 stars. McCrumb is the better writer. I liked seeing Calven again in this novel, but the story from his perspective wasn't great -- from Dorothy's perspective was unnecessary. It diluted an otherwise outstanding story.
I have enjoyed the Elizabeth Goodweather mysteries -- why not? After all, we share a great deal: fifty-ish ladies with grown children, interested in neighbors, dogs, herbs, gardening, and nature. With the last book In a Dark Season, Lane began adding in the historical underpinnings of her Marshall County life -- and the back story really deepened the characters for me. In this book, more about the Cherokee worldview is brought in, and that was also fantastic.
Now we hear about Elizabeth's neighbor Birdie's extraordinary life -- and it was a riveting read. Birdie's evolution from "Least," to "Redbird," to Birdie was truly fascinating. I love when a minor character is suddenly brought into sharp focus. Lane has done a good job with that throughout the series: for example, Cletus is seen through many characters' eyes in several books. The preacher Harice and the "Two Sisters" are recurring characters. Lilah Bel is another. The Little Sylvie story is touched on again in this volume. It makes the world of Marshall County feel very real, yet still magickal.
BUT, not 5 stars. McCrumb is the better writer. I liked seeing Calven again in this novel, but the story from his perspective wasn't great -- from Dorothy's perspective was unnecessary. It diluted an otherwise outstanding story.
July 15, 2022
Couldn't really get into it. It follows a woman from birth to her 90's and her special connection to the Small Things of Earth. Took me a while to read it.
November 28, 2012
Sometimes a minor character insists upon having her own story told. This is what happened to Vicki Lane with her Elizabeth Goodweather mysteries when the character of Birdie interrupted the series with her own tale. Born in Dark Holler in 1922 and named Least by a mother grieving the loss of her husband and son, she grows up neglected and wild, finding comfort in the "Little Things" in the bushes and talking to the "Quiet People" in the graveyard. By all accounts, Least is "quare" and her mother keeps her out of school to work on the farm and household. Only when her grandmother comes to live with them does Least find love and understanding, for her grandmother recognizes that she has the gift of seeing, a legacy from a Cherokee ancestor. Her grandmother secretly teaches her some of the Cherokee magic and family lore, but she is not in Least's life for long. A run-away in her teens, Least transforms into Redbird Ray until she buries the traumas of her past and becomes Birdie. She must choose between a life with the man she loves and her Cherokee magic, for the spells and knowledge of healing plants were considered witchcraft by others in their mountain hamlet. Then the book jumps to 2007 when Birdie, now an old woman, is asked to aid a relative in saving an innocent teenager from the grips of an evil darkness. To do so she must call upon ancient powers at the risk of her own frail life.
Vicki Lane is wonderful at evoking the setting of the North Carolina Appalachians and the accent and colloquialisms of its folk. She weaves bits of local history through the story, citing artifacts such as newspaper clippings, song lyrics, interviews with an old traditional Cherokee, and recipe for an herbal tonic. In Birdie she has created a wise but uneducated mountain woman, strong and resilient from hardship and tragedy, with an open heart that sees true. I'm glad that Vicki Lane gave her voice to tell her own piece of the story.
Vicki Lane is wonderful at evoking the setting of the North Carolina Appalachians and the accent and colloquialisms of its folk. She weaves bits of local history through the story, citing artifacts such as newspaper clippings, song lyrics, interviews with an old traditional Cherokee, and recipe for an herbal tonic. In Birdie she has created a wise but uneducated mountain woman, strong and resilient from hardship and tragedy, with an open heart that sees true. I'm glad that Vicki Lane gave her voice to tell her own piece of the story.
May 27, 2023
I have to admit that I was initially disappointed when I learned that the new book would not be picking up where In a Dark Season left off, but Miss Birdie was a favorite supporting character, so I was very hopeful. Vicki Lane has again written a moving and compelling story set in Appalachia with all its mystery, mythology, and magic.
This is the story of Least and what she would become. From her early life as the unloved "Least", she learns to listen to the voices around her and with her Granny Beck's help, learns all about the old stories and the "old ways". She finds that she must reinvent herself a few times to keep herself safe until the time that she is to meet her beloved. With help from a mysterious stranger, she keeps her vow to meet him and, for love of him, gives up her magic, becomes his Miss Birdie, and lives a devout Christian life.
Although there are sorrows and tragedies in their years together, she hasn't really looked back to what she gave up. Not until the lives of a young boy and a young girl are put on the line. She then has to decide upon which path she will walk.
I was up very late last night finishing this. I had tried to pace myself a bit, but got to a point where I could not put the book down not knowing what was going to happen next and I raced to the end.
This is the story of Least and what she would become. From her early life as the unloved "Least", she learns to listen to the voices around her and with her Granny Beck's help, learns all about the old stories and the "old ways". She finds that she must reinvent herself a few times to keep herself safe until the time that she is to meet her beloved. With help from a mysterious stranger, she keeps her vow to meet him and, for love of him, gives up her magic, becomes his Miss Birdie, and lives a devout Christian life.
Although there are sorrows and tragedies in their years together, she hasn't really looked back to what she gave up. Not until the lives of a young boy and a young girl are put on the line. She then has to decide upon which path she will walk.
I was up very late last night finishing this. I had tried to pace myself a bit, but got to a point where I could not put the book down not knowing what was going to happen next and I raced to the end.
January 3, 2011
Vicki Lane is a versatile writer, she researched thoroughly her topic of choice. I believe every one has a purpose and some folks are more in tune then others, and Ms Lane certainly has that keen understanding of the people and the place of Appalachia - and in general folklore. Her style of write will engage you from the beginning to the end, no wasted words, or caught up in the details, that nebulous area for some writers -- but said in a very highly descriptive form --. This book can almost be categorized as an historical fiction. A book well worth the read.
March 8, 2019
The Day of Small Things (Elizabeth Goodpasture Appalachian Mystery #5) by Vicki Lane (Dell 2010) (Fiction). This is the second novel I have read recently by Madison County (NC) author Vicki Lane. This is the story of Miss Birdie, a very old lady who was a bit player in one of previous titles in the author's series of Elizabeth Goodpasture mysteries. Miss Birdie's tale is a most excellent tangent from the Elizabeth Goodpasture story. From a horrible childhood as the sole surviving progeny of an evil psychotic woman, Miss Birdie had begun life as a child known only by the name of “Least.” She was raised in isolation and ignorance; Least / Birdie only learned of love, tenderness, and the outside world when a grandmother moved into their cabin.
The grandmother was part Cherokee. She taught Least to recognize and use the various healing plants in the fields and forest, and she taught Least to use her innate gifts to see and summon the “Little People” of the forest of Cherokee legend and lore.
Author Vicki Lane has penned a fascinating romp around fictional Marshall County in the North Carolina mountains. My favorite thing about this tale was the author's beautifully drawn descriptions of the various personnas through which Birdie evolved. I was reminded of the absorbing vignettes that described the many lives of Jack Krabbe in Little Big Man, and that is high praise indeed. My rating: 7.25/10, finished 3/7/19.
The grandmother was part Cherokee. She taught Least to recognize and use the various healing plants in the fields and forest, and she taught Least to use her innate gifts to see and summon the “Little People” of the forest of Cherokee legend and lore.
Author Vicki Lane has penned a fascinating romp around fictional Marshall County in the North Carolina mountains. My favorite thing about this tale was the author's beautifully drawn descriptions of the various personnas through which Birdie evolved. I was reminded of the absorbing vignettes that described the many lives of Jack Krabbe in Little Big Man, and that is high praise indeed. My rating: 7.25/10, finished 3/7/19.
February 24, 2025
This is billed as an Elizabeth Goodweather mystery but it’s really not a mystery and Elizabeth Goodweather isn’t part of the book. The characters are in the other Goodweather books, and the setting is the same. This novel tells Miss Birdie’s story , one of Goodweather’s neighbors. Birdie starts life as Least, the youngest child in her family and whose mother treats her as simple. When Least’s grandmother comes to live with them, Least learns about her Cherokee heritage and about the Gifts she has inherited. Eventually Least runs away from home , reinvents herself, and marries a good man who persuades her to leave her Gifts behind. In her old age, Birdie is called upon to make a choice she has long resisted.
I liked this book, but it was slow paced.
I liked this book, but it was slow paced.
March 17, 2017
What is not to love here? Not really a mystery, just an enjoyable story, whose main characters happen to be an 80-something year old woman, her 73 year old sister-in-law, and a 13 year old boy who has recently become appreciatively aware of boobies on the opposite sex.
As I said before, the story in present time is not a mystery...exactly. Calven's mother, the extremely ill named Princess, shows up and removes Calven from Dorothy's home. Calven feels like maybe he has been kidnapped, although he does wonder if it IS kidnapping if your own mama does it. Prin, as usual, has hooked up with the worst man possible. This one is not just bad, he is scary.
Can Calven get home? Can Miss Birdie and Dorothy find him? Miss Birdie has to go back into her past to decide how far she will go to defeat evil and protect innocence.
As I said before, the story in present time is not a mystery...exactly. Calven's mother, the extremely ill named Princess, shows up and removes Calven from Dorothy's home. Calven feels like maybe he has been kidnapped, although he does wonder if it IS kidnapping if your own mama does it. Prin, as usual, has hooked up with the worst man possible. This one is not just bad, he is scary.
Can Calven get home? Can Miss Birdie and Dorothy find him? Miss Birdie has to go back into her past to decide how far she will go to defeat evil and protect innocence.
February 10, 2019
I loved hearing the story of Miss Birdie. What a character she is.
January 14, 2022
I love this saga of a ruined, unloved child to heroic granny facing the dark side. Especially cool: the little quotes about mountain people at the ends of chapters. A poke, it seems, is a paper bag.
January 2, 2011
I really don't know what to say about this book. *SIGHS*
Ok so lets begin.
*****************May contain SPOILERS******************
Soo, there are three POVs, yet with the same person.
Least, the little girl that starts us off, has a special tallent. She has cherokee magic (for those who do not know what that is, i suggest you stop reading. No no, just kidding, go on, uh, you might want to google 'cherokee magic)
Anyway... so she has special tallents, she can talk to little goblin thingies (sorry about my grammar). Her mother is cruel and bruatal, she has thought Least nothing of the real world. Least makes a friend though, Lilah Bel (you will love Lilah) who proves to be very usefull in the future.
Although Lilah stops visiting least when "god has chosen her" (sarcastic voice) (chosen lilah)
Least is all alone, until 'granny beck' comes to live with least and her mother. Leasts granny teaches her how to use the special tallents to help her in the future, but unfortunatly, granny beck dies of old age.
Least ones again is all alone, (romance coming) but she meets a boy, ho she falls in love with (speeding things up).......the boy has to leave.........Least waits for boy.........leasts mom dies.......... Least escapes to another place to wait for her boy.
We must now say goodbye to least and welcome 'Redbird Ray'
Redbird becomes a dancing sensation, and goes through a lot of difficult times.
After redbird ray, we must welcome 'miss birdie'.
(trust me, all three girls are amayzing)
So the little girl least,
the teenage 'redbird ray'
to the old 'miss birdie'
I was breath taken from this amyzingly lyrical storie.
It's like one of those journeys you take, going through 80 years, even though it takes you only like, a week to finish.
There are a lot of characters that you will miss, and that will make you crie. And the storie will make you say things like "OH MY GOD thats Lilah!!!! OH i missed her so much".
The ending is happy, soo happy that it will bring you to sorrowfull tears.
What more can I say (i'm really out of words... and now, the finaly)
This book will really take you through a magical forrest! (thank you, thank you!)
Ok so lets begin.
*****************May contain SPOILERS******************
Soo, there are three POVs, yet with the same person.
Least, the little girl that starts us off, has a special tallent. She has cherokee magic (for those who do not know what that is, i suggest you stop reading. No no, just kidding, go on, uh, you might want to google 'cherokee magic)
Anyway... so she has special tallents, she can talk to little goblin thingies (sorry about my grammar). Her mother is cruel and bruatal, she has thought Least nothing of the real world. Least makes a friend though, Lilah Bel (you will love Lilah) who proves to be very usefull in the future.
Although Lilah stops visiting least when "god has chosen her" (sarcastic voice) (chosen lilah)
Least is all alone, until 'granny beck' comes to live with least and her mother. Leasts granny teaches her how to use the special tallents to help her in the future, but unfortunatly, granny beck dies of old age.
Least ones again is all alone, (romance coming) but she meets a boy, ho she falls in love with (speeding things up).......the boy has to leave.........Least waits for boy.........leasts mom dies.......... Least escapes to another place to wait for her boy.
We must now say goodbye to least and welcome 'Redbird Ray'
Redbird becomes a dancing sensation, and goes through a lot of difficult times.
After redbird ray, we must welcome 'miss birdie'.
(trust me, all three girls are amayzing)
So the little girl least,
the teenage 'redbird ray'
to the old 'miss birdie'
I was breath taken from this amyzingly lyrical storie.
It's like one of those journeys you take, going through 80 years, even though it takes you only like, a week to finish.
There are a lot of characters that you will miss, and that will make you crie. And the storie will make you say things like "OH MY GOD thats Lilah!!!! OH i missed her so much".
The ending is happy, soo happy that it will bring you to sorrowfull tears.
What more can I say (i'm really out of words... and now, the finaly)
This book will really take you through a magical forrest! (thank you, thank you!)
September 30, 2010
What a lovely, magical book! At first I was taken aback when I found out that this fifth suspense novel by Vicki Lane was not to be another in the Elizabeth Goodweather series (especially since the fourth book, In a Dark Season, ended in something of a cliff-hanger), but instead would center on one of the supporting characters, Miss Birdie.
As it turned out, I loved this tale, in which the reader comes to know an Appalachia in which the characters are not the usual stereotypes, but real, human characters. This is a beautifully written novel of mythic depth, even incorporating the legends of Thomas the Rhymer and the Wandering Jew, in which the forces of the local Pentecostal religion and ancient Cherokee magical lore combine to defeat an unspeakably evil man, who Miss Birdie sees as the Raven Mocker of Cherokee legend, and save an innocent boy. Like the Elizabeth Goodweather books, this one is a wonderful read, not to be missed.
As it turned out, I loved this tale, in which the reader comes to know an Appalachia in which the characters are not the usual stereotypes, but real, human characters. This is a beautifully written novel of mythic depth, even incorporating the legends of Thomas the Rhymer and the Wandering Jew, in which the forces of the local Pentecostal religion and ancient Cherokee magical lore combine to defeat an unspeakably evil man, who Miss Birdie sees as the Raven Mocker of Cherokee legend, and save an innocent boy. Like the Elizabeth Goodweather books, this one is a wonderful read, not to be missed.
May 13, 2015
The haunting (and sometimes haunted) Appalachian mountains are at the heart of Vicki Lane's The Day of Small Things. Written in three parts, the novel is filled with folklore, authentic language, local history, and a riveting plot that kept me reading well into the night until I finished. Oh, and did I mention the characters? They're unforgettable. Miss Birdie, one of my all-time favorites, has played a small role in some of Lane's earlier novels. But, in this one, Birdie is front and center, where she belongs! If you're looking for an intelligent mystery with well-developed characters, this is the book for you!
March 25, 2011
Once again, Vicki Lane writes another magical tale - this one about Miss Birdie's life. Part of what I love about these is the location, because I was lucky enough in my youth to spend some time in that area and a favorite relative has a cabin there now. So, my point being, that "place" is as much of a character in Ms. Lane's stories, as the humans. To me, one of the signs of a good novel is that -- the author's ability to combine human character & plot with place, telling a well-rounded and lyrical story. I've said this in one previous review and I'm sticking by it again.
June 20, 2011
I gave this book 5 stars only because there's not a 6 star option.
Vicki Lane accurately captured the culture, the place, the people of the mountains where I grew up. Even though much of the book was set during my grandparents'/parents' era, there was such an authenticity to the speech, the habits and attitudes of the characters...I was mesmerized. And I felt like I'd come home.
It was such a delight discovering Vicki Lane and I'm looking forward to reading her other works.
Vicki Lane accurately captured the culture, the place, the people of the mountains where I grew up. Even though much of the book was set during my grandparents'/parents' era, there was such an authenticity to the speech, the habits and attitudes of the characters...I was mesmerized. And I felt like I'd come home.
It was such a delight discovering Vicki Lane and I'm looking forward to reading her other works.
October 16, 2012
I always enjoy reading Vicki Lane. I love her backdrop of the North Carolina Mountains. This book featured Birdie Gentry. She has been a supporting character in Vicki Lane's previous books. That is why it helped a little bit to have read her previous books. The book kept me interested throughout. I always wondered what happened to Least's mother throughout the book. On the very last page the author told what had happened to her,
January 21, 2011
This is a Vicki Lane book that is about Miss Birdie from the Elizabeth Goodweather series. It was good but I'm wanting to read more about Elizabeth soon. Miss Birdie had a very compelling life story though! As with all of Vicki's books, it was extremely well-written and fascinating with information about life in the Carolina mountains.
August 15, 2011
Once in a while I am fortunate enough to find a novel that will stay with me forever...& this one joins that select group. Birdie's story is poignant, magical, evocative, tragic & yet hopeful. A lovely story, wonderfully written.
November 28, 2010
I liked this book, but not as much as the first ones she wrote. Hope she goes back to the original story line next book!
Vicki is a wonderful author ............everyone should read "Signs In The Blood" as a start to her series!
Vicki is a wonderful author ............everyone should read "Signs In The Blood" as a start to her series!
May 31, 2011
Wow, this takes me back to days gone. This whole book reads seriously hillbilly country and I totally understood all of it! I really loved it and it's not something I had read anything like before. I know who to recommend this too!
April 18, 2012
I really enjoyed this one, lots of interesting characters and fast-paced. In it, the mother names her youngest child "Least" because she knew she'd always be the least one. Sounds like stories my grandmother used to tell.
May 29, 2012
This book is not actually an Elizabeth Goodweather mystery; instead it gives the background of Miss Birdie, Elizabeth's elderly neighbor and friend. This was my favorite book of Vicki Lane's that I have read so far.
May 23, 2012
I think I finished it, but I cannot remember the ending. Did not 'wow' me.
January 6, 2011
I tend to read several books at a time but I have set aside all others until this one is finished.
I am enjoying this book so very much.
I am enjoying this book so very much.
Read
March 26, 2011This book just draws you in from page one. You will love Least and Birdie and you feel like you know them but the ending was definitely a good surprise. Great read and would recommend to all.
August 4, 2011
I love these lyrical, magical appalachian stories. Lane evokes the mood and senses of the mountains beautifully in her story of Leaf.
October 10, 2011
I always enjoy the characters and settings in Lane's books, but this one felt kind of like two different books stuck together.
March 13, 2012
Loved it! Probably a 4 and a half star book.
June 10, 2012
This book was a pleasant surprise. I downloaded it from the library having never heard of the author. A bit like some of my other favorite authors - Lee Smith, Sharon McCrumb.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews