The Devil’s Punchbowl by Greg Iles

So in general, I enjoy reading Greg Iles, which I think I’ve stated on this blog before. His stories are usually engaging and while not the highest caliber fiction, they’re not the trash that other writers put out either. However, since Iles has chosen to base most of his stories around Penn Cage, the lawyer-turned-author and his hometown of Natchez, Mississippi, I can’t help but think that Natchez has got to be one of the worst places to live, ever. I mean, with everything bad that happens there, it’s a wonder the entire town doesn’t move out! Quick synopsis: The Devil's Punchbowl is the story of the corrupt managing partner of a floating casino and the lengths he’ll go to provide bigger and better action to his constituents. A huge portion of the novel focuses on dog fighting, which I found especially topical in the light of Michael Vick’s recent release from prison. This was another of Iles’ traditional murder mystery with a hint of social justice thrown in. Not his best work, but I did enjoy having some other familiar characters show up.