Hunting Season

This was not by favorite Nevada Barr, but only because I didn't find the Nachez Trace to be as interesting as some of the other parks visited in this series. But it was still very good. I think I enjoy these books so much because I identify with the character of Anna Pidgeon. I share many of her values and beliefs so she comes alive for me. Perhaps that is also the reason why some of the other reviewers don't like the books. Instead of criticizing the author's "NPR soapbox" writing, they need to understand that, as in real life, some characters express points of view that you, the reader, may not share. Hey, I am the way. If a character expresses views I don't agree with, I find myself liking that character less. Suffice it to say, I adore Anna and I hope she has many more adventures in National Parks all over the USA.

I have mixed feelings about Nevada Barr's Hunting Season. On the one hand, I wanted to see Ranger Anna Pigeon end up somewhere new rather than the Natchez Trace Parkway. I like to revisit National Parks that I have personally visited or learn about a park I've never been to through each new Anna Pigeon novel. The fact that Hunting Season might be considered Deep South Part Two made it seem a less enticing read at first. On the other hand, it was nice to see the more detailed character development that a return visit to a location allowed AND it is realistic to have Anna stay in one place for longer than she normally seems to. Ultimately, the novel was very exciting and it kept me up to the wee hours of the morning several nights in a row. Local politics, poached deers, unmarked graves, shifting loyalties, folk art, and lots and lots of driving up and down the Natchez Trace Parkway all play a roll in this dark, damp mystery. This isn't the best Anna Pigeon novel nor is it a perfect 5 stars, but it was far enough past 4 stars to give it the full 5.

This is the latest installment in the Anna Pigeon, Park Ranger series. This book is like going back to an old friend and getting once again reacquainted. This is one of Nevada Barr's best novels and I recommend it to anyone discovering Ms. Pigeon for the first time.In Ms. Barr's latest novel, Anna returns to her job as the District Ranger for the Natchez Trace, a gorgeous scenic route that goes from Memphis, Tennessee to Natchez, Mississippi. She encounters the same managerial problems she had with her staff in DEEP SOUTH and encounters another dead person. The body belongs to Doyce Barnette, brother of Raymond Barnette. Raymond is the town mortician as well as the leading candidate for new sheriff. Raymond is more concerned of his political aspirations instead of his brother. He is very secretive and does his best to impede the investigation. Anna has her hands full dealing with poachers, her married boyfriend, as well as someone trying to kill her. I strongly recommend you read DEEP SOUTH before reading her latest work. There are some spoilers in HUNTING SEASON that might spoil the other Natchez Trace Anna Pigeon mystery. They are both good.

Nevada Barr gets better with every book. All of her characters are multi-dimensional, real people. Her layered plots draw me in so that I have to read some every night or I go to sleep feeling like I haven't checked in with a good friend. Hunting Season is an excellent work. Great plots. The writing allows me to actually experience the locations, know the characters, and share their emotions. The only downside is that I've read everything Nevada Barr has written and now have to wait for her next book. If you're looking for a favorite mystery writer - check out Nevada Barr.

I love the continued self evaluation that Anna reveals in this story which is set in a brooding and dangerous setting. True the "mystery" is obvious if you are not always looking for alternative explanations to every ocurrence that allows you to fool yourself about the motives of those closest to you both personally and professionally as Anna does. But thats what I love about these books. In this case, the apparent hypocrisy of some of those closest to Anna parallels the same feeling one gets about most of the Southern folk who reside along the Natchez Trace. Anna's personal obsessions blind her to the danger around her and how she avoids death in at least 4 exciting confrontations points to her eventual realization at how blind you can be when you are in Love.