Set in what appears to be the contemporary South, this twisted tale of violence and passion from Crews (The Gospel Singer
) focuses on the domestic conflicts facing Major Melton, a former marine and junior college professor. Melton's discovery of an unusual birthmark on his baby son's private parts leads him to suspect his wife of an affair—and to a series of brutal episodes involving pit bulls and a hanging. The odd ending will leave many wondering what the point of it all was. Fans of Southern gothic at its most gruesome will be pleased, but mainstream crime readers are unlikely to be satisfied. (June)
