Slow Dollar: A Deborah Knott Mystery    by Margaret Maron Order:  USA  Can Warner, 2003 (2002) Hardcover, Paperback, Audio Read an Excerpt      Reviewed by Mary Ann Smyth In Slow Dollar, Margaret Maron takes the reader back to rural North Carolina, where Judge Deborah Knott still holds court in the county of her birth. In this ninth of the series, the reader is introduced to the real life background of the carnival worker, authentic jargon and all. Unfortunately, there is a murder to spoil the scene and suspects abound. Deborah finds a long-lost relative and it's interesting to see how both women handle their meeting. Margaret Maron is a favorite author of mine. I admire her style of writing. No nonsense, down to earth good stories, always with an array of interesting people to carry the story along and that touch of humor that keeps the tale lively. Judge Knott has eleven older brothers so there is no end to personalities, both quirky and dull. No matter their differences, they pull together as a family when the occasion arises. The characterization of each member of this family is nothing short of genius. Just keeping them straight is a challenge, which adds to the fun. Maron's sense of place is right on the button. Rural North Carolina is dear to me and I sensed the love with which she wrote. The lore of the carnival is fascinating. Who doesn't love a carnival? We don't usually get a chance to take a peek behind the scenes. Maron takes us there with a sense of expertise and makes the reader feel they're witnessing events rather than just reading about them. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Mystery books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews