An exquisite and absolute gem of a novel, that will transport the reader to the heart of the Applachian mountains. The characters are vivid and capture the complexities of life in a small, tight knit community. The writing is beautiful and the story combines themes of family, loss, and redemption.
Many thanks to Regal House Publishing and to Netgalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

The Kings of Coweetsee, Neale’s latest Literary fiction is a charming novel that reads like a ballad. It begins with an old ballot box left on Birdie Barker Price’s front porch. Like Pandora’s Box it unravels into a scintillating tale brimming with Southern idioms and colloquialisms that I was not fully familiar with yet, appreciated them. They are part of the books charm and what makes this novel gorgeous.

Enlisting the help of her ex-husband, Roy Barker, currently campaigning for sheriff she attempts to solve the clues pointing to Coweetsee County’s corrupt elections, hidden crimes, and guilty passions. Filled with false charges, child brides, and murder ballads about the heartache of wronged women and the revenge they seek, Kings of Coweetsee introduces us to a people and place with a vanishing culture and an uncertain future.

Fond of teasing outsiders Coweetsee folk are seemingly dismissive of themselves. However, I soon discovered that they were fiercely proud of Coweetsee and its heritage. I warmed to their tart humour doubtless due to Neale’s story telling skills. I was strolling through Coweetsee, seeing its beauty through his eyes. Their poignant ballads struck me deeply evoking empathy and admiration for its inhabitants despite their flaws, of which there were many.

The colourful characters and their stories were potently used to drive home the consequences of a society lacking in any scruples. What impressed me was the way Neale depicts his characters and magically weaves this tale. As it unfolds there is an uneasiness in the air. Suspense hung over me, their fear was mine and it was palpable. I was in Coweetsee, living the lives of his multiple colourful characters, singing their ballads, experiencing their harsh lives, feeling their humiliation and shame, their longing to be free of the Patriarchal yoke that still lay heavy on their shoulders. A true hallmark of a natural born storyteller.

What else can I say except the book is a riot and I would gladly read it again. A fictional work but truth resonates within it. The ground beneath my feet shifted. It was plausible that Coweetsee in the Appalachian Mountains does exist, especially today.

I received this from Netgalley.com.

The characters felt flat and uninspiring. The momentum never got going and I found it a struggle to read.

2.5☆

Kings of Coweetsee by Dale Neal is an easy read, although the plot is somewhat slow paced at times. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This is a story about a small town, its people and history. The book's strength is in its well developed characters. I particularly liked Birdie and the Harmon sisters. Their characters and their back stories were well written although I found it hard to understand some of the townspeople's attitudes towards the latter. The plot itself was interesting but quite slow paced, particularly towards the end.

I can't say much more without giving away spoilers, so overall it's a good, easy read.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an e-copy for review.