“Natchez Burning” by Greg Iles is a fantastic work of contemporary fiction. Iles has written a story set in his home state of Mississippi. He knows his territory and its history. Although it is 800 pages in length, this reader couldn’t put it down. Half way through, I wondered what else Iles could say about his characters and their actions. But he had lots more to create.
The plot involves the personal story of a well-respected member of the Natchez community, Dr. Tom Cage, and his son, Penn, the mayor and a former prosecutor. As events unfold, Penn begins to question the integrity and morality of his father. But this is more than the story of one family. It is the horrific tale of an off-shoot of the KKK, the fictional Double Eagles, and their leaders, who have wielded power in Natchez and the surrounding countryside enacting their brand of justice. Murder, political corruption, and acts of despicable brutality are actions that are justifiable in their eyes.
Add to this array of characters two local journalists, Caitlin Masters, and Henry Sexton. Masters is the daughter of a media giant, and Sexton the editor of a local weekly, who for more than thirty years has investigated crimes against the black community.
As the author races to the conclusion of his book, several important strands of the story are not resolved. According, to the cover blurb, “Natchez Burning” is the first installment of a planned trilogy. I hope Iles is a fast writer because as I reader I need to understand why Dr. Cage acted as he did. Of course, I am sure some producer has already optioned the book for a movie. Hopefully, Iles can finish his trilogy before a movie is made.