NO SAINTS IN KANSAS
by Amy Brashear
If you are at all familiar with Truman Capote’s IN COLD
BLOOD, you will recognize the story Brashear has used as the backdrop for her
teen angst novel. Outsider Carly is a “friend”
of Nancy Clutter who is the ultimate insider.
The novel revolves around Carly’s obsession with solving the murders of
the Clutter family in 1959 and clearing Bobby Rupp, Nancy’s boyfriend.
The characters are believable; the situations and
conversations spot on. Capote and Harper
Lee make cameo appearances and bring a bit of New York brashness to the
Nebraska Midwestern wholesomeness. When Carly’s father is appointed to defend
the murderers, she (and her whole family) becomes an instant pariah to the
entire town. Small town morals and infighting
come to the fore as the novel progresses.
Although billed as a young adult novel, anyone with an
interest in the Clutter murders or small town life will find this novel
appealing. Carly is a fictional character, most other characters and situations
are based on the actual murders.
5 of 5 stars
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