I have been a Sharyn McCrumb fan since I read "Bimbos of the Death Sun" many years ago. I loved her Elizabeth MacPherson novels, but (like so many of her fans), no character captured me quite like Nora Bonesteel.In "The Devil Amongst the Lawyers," Nora Bonesteel is a 12-year-old girl, going to help her journalist cousin Carl report on a murder trial. Nora has the Sight, and Carl hopes the girl can provide him with some insight since the defendant, Erma, is not allowed to talk to any reporters who have not paid her brother for the privilege.Nora's part is not large in this book; a great deal of the action focuses on two New York reporters and their photographers coming to the tiny Appalachian town to report their views on the matter. Nora's observations to one of the reporters about his past are included to provide an entree to his back story.As always, McCrumb creates a fascinating portrait of life in the Appalachians -- this time during the Great Depression.It's great to see the "Ballad Series" return. Fans of McCrumb and Bonesteel are sure to be pleased.(Review based on uncorrected advance proof.)
