Eaton K. Goldthwaite – The dust jacket of Scarecrow tells us that Goldthwaite “composed [this novel] on an atoll in the South Pacific, the typewriter balanced on a tree stump.” Puts to shame all our complaints about writer’s block and not having the time to write, doesn’t it? At least we don’t have to contend with flying bullets, exploding mortars, or balancing our computers on tree stumps. Anyway, Scarecrow is a treat. Interesting, well developed characters are caught in neatly intertwined rivalries and resentments, in an expertly depicted small Connecticut coastal town. The novel’s nice sense of place definitely avoids handing readers yet another generic New England village. One of my favorites to read. I’ve got to find more by Goldthwaite. Any one else have any comments on his other mysteries?
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Sharon Healy-Yang 