Monday, June 4, 2012

Book Review: Iron City Strangers

I recently finished a very good, suspenseful novel entitled Iron City Strangers. The author is Peggy Lutz-McDaniel, a rising star who is from the same hometown I am, Blacksburg, SC. She uses the town of Blacksburg as the backdrop for her books. Iron City Strangers is definitely a winner and a must read, especially if you like suspense and plot twists.


The main character is Maggie "Mags" Callahan, best-selling author and owner of the local bookstore, The Book Nook. Blacksburg, normally a quiet town, is suddenly filled with different types of turmoil and crime. The first part of the novel deals with some bank robbers. The second part deals with a man who has been running all over the South abducting, raping and killing young women. Between a clever FBI agent and a overimaginative writer and store owner, Mags' world is suddenly turned upside down. The Town of Blacksburg is suddenly different for better and worse due to these newcomers.


It is a good quick read also, under 260 pages. I literally could not put the book down the last 100 pages. I looked forward to every plot twist, detail, and the development of each character. The town is portrayed so vividly as well. Lutz-McDaniel wants her readers who aren't from Blacksburg to feel like they are there.  The book also has a very rich and unique Southern flavor, even emulated through the characters in their words and sayings. Two of Blacksburg's biggest events, The Iron City Festival, and The Ed Brown Rodeo, are also highlighted. Blacksburg natives can also read with a sense of pride and appreciation for their hometown.


Lutz-McDaniel shows in Strangers that life in a small town is not always slow and boring, especially when outsiders come into the picture. All of the details, plot and storyline are very realistic. It is difficult to predict the outcome or the ending. You may find yourself rereading to gather pertinent details.


I would highly recommend that anyone of mature age, PG-13, read this novel. It promises to grab you and leave you wanting more. Book clubs, or those in need of a good read, look no further. Iron City Strangers will deliver.


Lutz-McDaniel's newest novel, and her previous works, can be found at your local Barnes and Noble, amazon.com, and lulu.com. Also, visit her site, http://www.scgritsgal.com.


I only look forward to what Mrs. Lutz-McDaniel has for us readers next. I feel she has gotten the attention of the literary world and deserves recognition for her work. Go out now and purchase or download this exciting, thrilling book! You will be glad you did.


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1 comment:

  1. Drew, thank you for the glowing review of my latest mystery/thriller, Iron City Strangers.'

    Writing is my passion and Blacksburg offers a great backdrop to allow my imagination to run wild and create characters who will draw attention to our small hometown while dragging the reader by the seat of their pants through an intricate plot filled with twists and turns, refusing to reveal 'who done it' until the very end.

    Keep watching for my next release -- you never know when a wild idea will lead me on my next writing journey!

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