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Prayers the Devil Answers
Prayers the Devil Answers: A Novel | Sharyn McCrumb
13 posts | 5 read | 1 reading | 22 to read
Sharyn McCrumb, New York Times bestselling author of the acclaimed Ballad series set in Appalachia, explores the ties between a reluctant female sheriff and a condemned man in this stunning and powerfully written Depression-era novel. Years later, after the tragedy, someone remembered the Dumb Supper and what had happened there. That was the cause of it, they said, because the ritual wasnt a game after all. It really was magic, but magic has rules, and she broke them. Suddenly thrust into the role of primary caretaker for her family following the tragic death of her husband, Ellie Robbins is appointed to serve out his term as sheriff of their rural Tennessee mountain town. The year is 1936, and her role is largely symbolic, except for the one task that only a sheriff can do: execute a convicted prisoner. Ellie has long proven she can handle herself. But becoming sheriff is altogether different, and the demands of the role are even more challenging when she is forced to combat societys expectations for a woman. Soon enough, dark secrets come to light, and Ellie must grapple with small town superstitions and the tenuous ties she shares with a condemned killer as she carves out a place for herself in an uncertain future. There is no one quite like Sharyn McCrumb. No one better either (San Diego Union-Tribune), and her luscious narrative brings her unforgettable characters to life with the pure poetry (The New York Times Book Review) that defines her astounding novels. Prayers the Devil Answers combines masterful historical research and captivating folklore to make an atmospheric and suspenseful tour de force.
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Susanita
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Pickpick

Compelling story told with just the right amount of detail. Quietly kick-ass main character. Narrator reminded me of Holly Hunter, which was fittin‘ to the story. A little repetitive on certain points, which was mildly annoying. Occasionally jarring changes of POV, possibly as a result of the audiobook format. Solid 3.5 stars.

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Susanita
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Now that I‘ve caught up with podcasts after being sick and not commuting for a week, I can dive into another #audiobook and read ahead for #bookclub at the library. It‘s mostly exposition so far, but I can see where the situation could get sinister. #mysteriousmonday #SpookyOctober

24 likes1 stack add
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Bookworm84
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Pickpick

I would give this book a solid 3.5 stars. McCrumb knows the region and its history, and it shows. The story of a female sheriff having to preside over an execution is based on the history of America's last public hanging. I enjoyed this journey to another time, but I miss the ballad novels. Bring back Nora Bonesteel!!!

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Owlizabeth
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Pickpick

I'm really glad I grabbed this one at the library. I love books set in #Appalachia and my husband is going to have to endure me letting a few "wouldn't be fitten" and "beholdens" over the next few days. The writing was slightly repetitive, which is a personal peeve. But overall a well-paced, interesting story with a strong female MC whose journey only makes her stronger. Solid 3.75 ?? And now I wanna watch Coal Miner's Daughter. #notanartist

Laura317 I'm so glad someone else found Sharyn McCrumb! She's one of my favorites. I've read everything she's written. 8y
Owlizabeth @Laura317 I'm going to look her up next time I'm at the library! Yay new authors with decent back catalogues to devour!! 8y
PatriciaU Love Sharyn McCrumb. The Nora Bonesteel books are my favorites. 8y
25 likes1 stack add3 comments
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Owlizabeth
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Echo That's not wrong 8y
MeganAnn 😂👍🏻 8y
Lizpixie 😁🙌🙌 8y
31 likes1 stack add3 comments
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Owlizabeth
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#24in48 is almost over and I ended up reading about 10 hours. I was hoping for more, but the kids were being kids. Finished one book and made a decent dent in another. I'm definitely gonna do this again!! I had so much fun following everyone's journey!

Varshitha 10 hrs is a great thing with kids,, 👏🏻👏🏻 8y
LitHousewife Kids and readathons make for interesting bedmates. 😆 You did fantastic! 8y
Reviewsbylola Kids definitely cramp my readathon style too! 8y
39 likes3 comments
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Owlizabeth
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🙌🏼🙌🏼🤘🏼😍 Loving the MC in this book! #badasswomen

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Owlizabeth
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*nodding*

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Owlizabeth
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Well, I have 16 1/2 hours left on my countdown timer, so I'm definitely not hitting #24in48, but I am super into this book so far! Yay random library grabs!! 🙌🏼

25 likes1 stack add
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bookshopsc
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Pickpick

Set in Depression-era Appalachia, this atmospheric mystery builds off folklore to examine destiny, desperation, & morality. After convincing the county to let her take over her husband‘s role as sheriff, Ellie Robbins becomes responsible for carrying out an execution, making everyone unhappy. —Nici

youngreadrshelf Is Nora Bonesteel in this one? 8y
BookNotes Love her books 8y
Imagineannie Is this a new one?! And I'd also like to know if it includes Nora. 8y
bookshopsc @youngreadrshelf @Imagineannie Sorry, Nora isn't part of this story. -Nici 8y
46 likes15 stack adds5 comments