Matty came to Mesilla on her way back east, escaping a bad marriage and an abusive husband. When she first met Lt. Andrew Collins, First Missouri Calvary, he was a breathtakingly handsome and stole her heart, but it didn't take long for her to discover he was a cruel drunk who beat her frequently. After miscarrying their child, the only two things of value she cherished from her marriage were Fanny, her mare and a Negro Woman, Winona, that Andrew won in a card game. Together Winona and Matty concoct a scheme to escape Andrews cruelty.

Listen to the Mockingbird is the first book I've read that is written in first person. Penny Rudolph's colorful descriptions of the land and the people, peppered with language from the time period, made me feel like I was there, at the very moment, experiencing the story first hand. Matty and a myriad of other wonderful characters, weave an astonishing story of struggle, greed, flash floods, holdups, deliberate range fires, fears of witchery, battles to divide the territory, and even a few fleeting moments of passion for Matty. There is even a sprinkling of humor that brings an occasional smile to your face. Ms. Rudolph is a great author who knows how to keep you intrigued. This book took so many twists and turns, but each was captivating and held my interest all the way through. The ending left me hoping that Mattie will find what she is searching for, and another great book will continue where this one leaves off. It's a great read and I can certainly understand why it is a 2003 EPPIE Award Winner.

Overall rating:
Sensuality rating: Mildly Sensual

Reviewer: Brett Scott
March 28, 2003