Bleeding Kansas

From the New York Times bestselling author of the V.I. Warshawski series comes “a gripping contemporary novel…of fear and conflict in heartland America” (Publishers Weekly).

In Kansas, on land that once saw some of America’s bloodiest antislavery battles, three families have coexisted for more than one hundred fifty years: the Grelliers, the Fremantles, and the Schapens. Once allies in the fight against slavery, today the Schapens and the Grelliers disagree on every subject, from organic farming to the war in Iraq, but above all on religion.
 
Into their lives comes Gina Haring, a relative of the Fremantles who is house-sitting the derelict family mansion while she puts her own life in order. Her lifestyle and beliefs will put her at odds with her neighbors...and test the mettle of a community being swept up in events beyond its control.
Praise for Bleeding Kansas

“A strong and stark portrayal of the Heartland.”—Associated Press

“No other modern crime writer has so powerfully and effectively combined a well-crafted detective story with the novel of social realism and protest.”—P. D. James,  in The Spectator

“Paretsky has demonstrated in Bleeding Kansas the superb skills as a novelist that were already known and admired by the avid followers of V.I. Warshawski.”—The Washington Post
 
“The multigenerational narrative bristles with the kind of prickly social issues that give substance to Paretsky’s detective stories.”—The New York Times Book Review
 
“A gripping contemporary novel…Paretsky taps a different vein and strikes gold in this timely tale of fear and conflict in heartland America.”—Publishers Weekly

“Intriguing…strong storytelling.”—The Seattle Times

“Paretsky shows a remarkable flair for teasing out the foibles as well as the strengths of her rural protagonists...In Bleeding Kansas, [she] makes a convincing case that these are universal truths. Big city, small town, it makes no difference. Evil—and goodness—are everywhere.”—Chicago Tribune
© Steven E. Gross
Sara Paretsky is the author of 20 books, including her renowned V. I. Warshawski novels. Her many awards include the Cartier Diamond Dagger Lifetime Achievement Award from the British Crime Writers' Association and the 2011 Mystery Writers of America's Grand Master Award. She lives in Chicago, Illinois. View titles by Sara Paretsky

About

From the New York Times bestselling author of the V.I. Warshawski series comes “a gripping contemporary novel…of fear and conflict in heartland America” (Publishers Weekly).

In Kansas, on land that once saw some of America’s bloodiest antislavery battles, three families have coexisted for more than one hundred fifty years: the Grelliers, the Fremantles, and the Schapens. Once allies in the fight against slavery, today the Schapens and the Grelliers disagree on every subject, from organic farming to the war in Iraq, but above all on religion.
 
Into their lives comes Gina Haring, a relative of the Fremantles who is house-sitting the derelict family mansion while she puts her own life in order. Her lifestyle and beliefs will put her at odds with her neighbors...and test the mettle of a community being swept up in events beyond its control.

Reviews

Praise for Bleeding Kansas

“A strong and stark portrayal of the Heartland.”—Associated Press

“No other modern crime writer has so powerfully and effectively combined a well-crafted detective story with the novel of social realism and protest.”—P. D. James,  in The Spectator

“Paretsky has demonstrated in Bleeding Kansas the superb skills as a novelist that were already known and admired by the avid followers of V.I. Warshawski.”—The Washington Post
 
“The multigenerational narrative bristles with the kind of prickly social issues that give substance to Paretsky’s detective stories.”—The New York Times Book Review
 
“A gripping contemporary novel…Paretsky taps a different vein and strikes gold in this timely tale of fear and conflict in heartland America.”—Publishers Weekly

“Intriguing…strong storytelling.”—The Seattle Times

“Paretsky shows a remarkable flair for teasing out the foibles as well as the strengths of her rural protagonists...In Bleeding Kansas, [she] makes a convincing case that these are universal truths. Big city, small town, it makes no difference. Evil—and goodness—are everywhere.”—Chicago Tribune

Author

© Steven E. Gross
Sara Paretsky is the author of 20 books, including her renowned V. I. Warshawski novels. Her many awards include the Cartier Diamond Dagger Lifetime Achievement Award from the British Crime Writers' Association and the 2011 Mystery Writers of America's Grand Master Award. She lives in Chicago, Illinois. View titles by Sara Paretsky