The Shape of Snakes

Minette Walters

3/22/2002

Annie Butts, "Mad Annie" is found dead on the curb in her 1978 English neighborhood. She was the only black resident in the block which included government/counsul housing. She also had Tourette's Syndrome, but the neighbors did not realize that. Mrs. Ranelagh found her moments before she died.

Mrs. Ranelagh is certain Mad Annie was murdered. The verdict was death by accident when hit by a hit and run truck. But when the white woman and teacher tries to have the matter further explored, she is shut down at all avenues. She becomes depressed, separates with her husband for a few weeks, then reunites with him and they move out of England.

Twenty years later, the Ranelaghs return to England. Mrs. Ranelagh is a stronger, more focused woman now. Unbeknownst to her husband, she has been trying to investigate the circumstances around the death and the different people involved. Now she is back and wants justice - although it is uncertain whether the justice is for herself or the black woman living in a racially intolerant neighborhood.

What a fascinating book! The events of 1978 are briefly told at the beginning. Then we fast forward to 1999 and the Ranelaghs' return to England. This book is told first person narrative by Mrs. Ranelagh and through memos, letters, pictures, e-mails, and reports. She is bent on uncovering what happened on Graham Road. She knows there will be people whose lives have changed who may be now be hurt. But she will persist.

Walters' writing style in this novel helps make it so fascinating. It is crisp and diverting. This one has its crass, shocking moments. The story winds around the events, hinting at things to yet be revealed. We get glimpses of what happened when Mrs. Ranelagh pursued Annie's murderer. I did not expect the final conclusion. I ripped through this, picking it up as often as I could during a busy work week.

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