Mississippi blood a novel natchez burning

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The first two books set up the framework of the story of Penn Cage, a man trapped in a world of racial prejudice and hatred. Cage is the mayor of Natchez, Mississippi and his life has gone from one tragedy to the next. Now the story reaches its conclusion as Penn's father Tom, a beloved physician, goes on trial for the murder of his former nurse and one time lover Viola Turner. Despite the fact Penn is an accomplished lawyer, Tom keeps him out of his defense, going instead with legendary lawyer Quentin Avery. But on Tom's direction Quentin refuses to brief Penn on his plans for Tom's defense. This frustrates Penn no end but Tom has hired Quentin and only Tom can fire him.

In Natchez Burning , revered town physician Dr. Tom Cage is arrested and accused of murdering his former nurse Viola Turner. Her son believes it was a racially motivated killing, but circumstances indicate it may have been an assisted suicide. A young reporter uncovers some new leads which suggest links between Viola and the Double Eagles, widely feared and regarded as the most hateful racist group in the state. Iles unfolds details of the story slowly throughout the first novel and its follow-up, The Bone Tree. As the trial unfolds, each character relates his or her version of events.