The Tuesday night book group will discuss John Milliken Thompson's The Reservoir, tomorrow night at 7:30 p.m. Thompson read about the1885 murder of Lillian Madison in a history of Richmond, Virginia and began to research and write a non-fiction account based on the trial transcripts and the book by the accused murderer, Tommie Cluverius. Eventually, the author decided that the story would be better told as historical fiction. The response so far from the book group is very positive and I found the book riveting, although extremely tragic and disturbing. This murder mystery takes you into the mind of the accused, the agony of the families involved and the suspense of the trial. The Reservoir will appeal to history buffs, true-crime fans, readers of legal thrillers, and anyone interested in Southern history.
Related links:
John Milliken Thompson's website has an interview with the author, documents, maps and photographs of historical Richmond, Va.
A reading group discussion guide from the publisher has suggested topics and questions.
A video booktrailer from the publisher captures the Southern Gothic feel of the book.
Southern Literary Review article about the book.
"Hey, we drink out of there!" from the Library of Virginia blog
The Murder of Lillian Madison from a VCU blog has photographs of present-day Richmond where some of the scenes in the book took place.
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