2016 (Poisoned Pen Press)
The small, rural Northeast Texas community of Center Springs has seen its share of troubles during the 1960s, everything from kidnapping, murder, and bank robbery. By 1968, the residents think life has finally quieted down, but they find their peaceful way of life is quickly spinning out of control as a decades-long family feud between the Clays and Mayfields once again flares to life.
Fourteen-year-old Top Parker, who lives with his grandparents Constable Ned Parker and Miss Becky in a little farmhouse near the Red River, finds himself caught up in another adult situation sparked by a mysterious fatal single car accident involving the white mayor of Chisum and his black female assistant. Questions and accusations arise about their relationship as the families wreak vengeance on each other.
But what is the significance of a man calling himself the Wraith, who moves through region at will, invading homes and watching the Parkers? What is Maggie Clay’s secret? That she’s half white and married to a black man with a long criminal past? And was Mayor Frank Clay, the only bright spot in a dark and cruel family, really what everything thinks he is?
It’s a busy time for Sheriff Cody Parker, who finds himself a possible suspect in the murder of several residents. He takes the advice from his Deputy John Washington and removes himself from the investigation, giving free reign to both John and Deputy Anna Sloan as they try and unravel the answers by following different paths.
“The more I read of Reavis Wortham’s books, the more impressed I am by his abilities as a writer… His understanding of family feuds, how they start and how they hang on long past their expiration date, is vital to the story line. Wortham’s skill as a plotter is demonstrated as well. He’s very good at what he does, and his books are well worth reading.”
—Reviewing the Evidence
“This superbly drawn sixth entry in the series features captivating characters and an authentic Texas twang.”
—Library Journal
“Not only does Wortham write exceptionally well, but he somehow manages to infuse Unraveled with a Southern gothic feel what would make even William Faulkner proud… A hidden gem of a book that reads like Craig Johnson’s Longmire mysteries on steroids.”
—Providence Journal
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