Killing Mister Watson

Book Description

Drawn from fragments of historical fact, Matthiessen's masterpiece brilliantly depicts the fortunes and misfortunes of Edgar J. Watson, a real-life entrepreneur and outlaw who appeared in the lawless Florida Everglades around the turn of the century.

Customer Reviews:

Et tu, Brute.......2006-11-03

Peter Matthiessen describes his character. "First time you seen the man, you wanted him to like you---he was that kind."
Similar praises were most likely sung for the likes of Napoleon, Lincoln, JFK, Julius Caesar, Malcolm X, St. Joan, Socrates and even Il Duce. Seems like we always want to place a charismatic leader especially high on the pedestal so he has all the farther to fall. So, it is with Mr. Watson. He is smart, sexy, charming, and hard working. He is also very tough, can handle a knife and gun. He can shoot the mustache off a sheriff at 100 yards. No, you don't want to get this guy mad at you. Mister Watson. Whether you fear him or love him---- woman have been know to take one look at him and drop their drawers ----as long as that power provides some benefit to you and yours, you want him around. When he drinks too much, earns too much, roughs up too much, you look the other way. But when he loses his power, you shoot him full of lead. You use handguns, rifles, and buck shot. Even get the "youngins" into the act. You slay the mighty Goliath and then you string him up by the toes and drag his body through the muddy swamps. Tear his pretty face off his head. Bury him in a shallow grave with a noose tied to the tree of liberty so that it may be refreshed by this natural piece of manure.
Mister Watson. We're not sure of what you are guilty, but we know you must be guilty of something.
Bang.

Excellent exploration into human nature.......2004-12-23

It took me a few chapters to get totally hooked on this narrative. At first, I wondered why I'd want to read a book that gave the ending in the first few paragraphs as well as in its title. Soon, though, I realized that not only is this a well-written historical novel about the early years of Florida's development, it's a haunting exploration into the nature of human beings. How all of Mr. Watson's acquaintances, neighbors, and even family members are influenced by his personality, his actions, the stories that are written about him, the inuendos that float about, and how all of this confusion results in his death, all combine to make an amazingly thoughtful story. This book still occupies a corner of my mind, weeks after I've finished it.

Murder in the Wild South.......2003-10-17

As the title implies, this is the story of a murder, one committed in the Florida Everglades in 1910. The book opens with a description of the death of Edgar J Watson, a pioneer homesteader, at the hands of a mob of his neighbours, who believe him to have been responsible for a number of killings that have taken place in the area. It then proceeds to tell Watson's story through the eyes of those who knew him, each chapter being related by a different narrator to the previous one. Interspersed with these are a number of brief chapters related by the author himself, assuming the role of a historian trying to find out the truth about what he calls the "Watson legend". (Watson was, in fact, a real person, and, although this is a work of fiction, it is based around historical events.)

The one voice we do not hear in the course of this novel is that of Watson himself; he is always referred to in the third person, never in the first. As a result of Mr Matthiessen's multiple-narrator technique, the truth about Watson's character and the events surrounding him, even those following his move to Florida, remains ambiguous. (We hear rumours, but no direct testimony, about his previous life in several other states). Was Watson good or evil, or a mixture of the two? Was his death the work of a vindictive lynch mob or justifiable killing in self-defence? Was he really guilty of the murders attributed to him, or the victim of unjustified suspicion? Mr Matthiessen never gives a final answer to these questions, but allows the reader to decide for himself or herself. Certainly, the various narrators disagree among themselves; while some clearly hate Watson, others point to his good qualities- his love for his family, his capacity for hard work, his honesty in his business dealings. Although this is the story of a murder, it bears little resemblance to the conventional whodunit, in which there is always a Sherlock Holmes or Miss Marple to act as deus ex machina and to reveal the truth to the reader and to the other characters. Rather, it is more similar to a real-life crime, in which all concerned, be they witnesses, police officers, prosecutor, defender, judge and jury have to try to make sense of a mass of conflicting evidence and testimony.

The air of ambiguity with which Mr Matthiessen invests his narrative would, in some books, be a weakness; here, it is a strength. By allowing his characters to tell the story in their own words, with no omniscient narrator to give the definitive version of events, he is able to achieve a greater depth and complexity than would be possible with a conventional third-person narrative. Although Watson is an enigmatic character, he is nevertheless a powerfully-drawn and memorable one.

Equally powerful is the description of the novel's setting. The dense, steamy, low-lying mangrove forests and swamps which made up much of Southern Florida in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries were very different geographically to the high plains, deserts and mountains of the Wild West, but in cultural terms they had much in common. Both had only recently been settled by white settlers, who brought with them a culture that incorporated much of the best and the worst in American society. The best- the virtues of independence, self-reliance and hard work. The worst- the lawlessness, the obsession with honour, the willingness to settle all disputes at gunpoint, the racialism directed against both blacks and Indians. Florida today may be America's vacationland; a hundred years ago, it was the Wild South, the last remaining frontier on the east coast, a place where man was not yet in full control, where Watson and those like him struggled to make a living in the face of a hostile nature. (A hurricane plays an important part in the final turn of events in the book).

In this book, Mr Matthiessen has succeeded in the creation of a highly believable fictional world, with a fascinating character at its centre. A novel well worth reading.

the death of an emperor.......2003-09-22

edgar j. watson was voted one of the 50 most important people in the state of florida. he was a pioneer, who built his emipre in florida. he was brave, ruthless, tireless, corrupt and muderous. readers reconize his traits in so many of the empire builders who have followed him to florida. in researching south florida history, it is an honor to know peter and many of the relatives in this book.

Superbly Crafted.......2002-12-06

In novels displaying typical craftsmanship, assigning names to characters who may have little bearing on the story is avoided-why confuse the reader unnecessarily! But in Matthiessen's tale in which each chapter is told from the perspective of one person, numerous names of brothers and sisters, sons and daughters, husbands and wives, cross-breeds and others are given time and again, all the while the focus is kept on just who is Mr. Watson and what makes him tick. There may be some confusion here, but it's of the type that comes from sitting on the porch across from someone who is telling you his or her story, and you realize there isn't a need to always interrupt and request the person identify every incidental person who shows up in the tale. Rather, you are taken in by the great story overall and by the teller, who turns out to be quite an interesting character himself. This is the case with `Killing Mister Watson.' Moreover, this maze of characters and their various contrasting views on Edgar Watson tend to further illuminate the geographical flavor of South Florida which Matthiessen describes as `labyrinthine.' Just as it is easy to become lost among the mangroves and the rivers, so is it equally difficult to decipher the truths and falsehoods of the folks who lived there around the turn of the twentieth century and knew Mister Watson. I liked this book. I liked it a lot.

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Killing Mister Watson
Peter Matthiessen
Manufacturer: Random House
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000NQI3V4

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KILLING MISTER WATSON
Peter Matthiessen
Manufacturer: Vintage (Random House)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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Bone by Bone

ASIN: B000H5BYDA

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Killing Mister Watson

Manufacturer: Recorded Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio Cassette
ASIN: 1402558449

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Killing Mister Watson
Peter Matthiessen
Manufacturer: Random House, Incorporated
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000PF4B9Q

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Killing Mister Watson
Peter Matthiessen
Manufacturer: Recorded Books, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio Cassette

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ASIN: B000NY2646

Product Description

A murder mystery set in teh Florida Everglades in the Ninteenth Century.

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Killing Mister Watson
Peter Matthiessen
Manufacturer: RANDOM HOUSE
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000UCI8G6

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KILLING MISTER WATSON -- BARGAIN BOOK
PETER MATTHIESSEN
Manufacturer: Book-of-the-Month Club
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000GTG4Y6

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Killing Mister Watson
Peter Mattheissen
Manufacturer: Random House
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000KWKRGU

The Laird's Lady (Harlequin Historical Series)
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Sensual and Stimulating Medieval Romance ! Hot!
The Laird's Lady (Harlequin Historical Series)
Joanne Rock
Manufacturer: Harlequin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0373293690

Customer Reviews:

Sensual and Stimulating Medieval Romance ! Hot!.......2005-09-02

Malcolm McNair and his brothers, were battling for the Beaumont keep when Malcolm was stunned when a flaming arrow struck his shield. Looking up to the battlements he spied the archer and was amazed to discover a bewitching wraithlike vision surrounded by a golden halo of hair he could only liken to a fairy queen, hefting a cross-bow with all the fierce determination of an Amazon warrior.

Looking down from her perch, Lady Rosalind of Beaumont was determined to hold her keep, and protect her people from the heathen Scots, though noting that the burly Scot leader assaulting her keep was a most magnificent and handsome man. She is English, and attraction or not, she'd lost enough to the barbarian Scot's and would lose no more, even though Malcolm's merest touch set her mind and body on fire. Nevertheless, for Malcolm, though he might conquer the keep, winning the heart and hand of the fair Lady Rosalind would be the greatest accomplishment of all.

*** This was a stimulating medieval read with a delightful lead couple. Rosalind grabbed me right from the start with her courage and `do what you gotta do' attitude - especially with her `where the heck is a man, when you need him' statement as the Scot's began their assault! Malcolm - gosh who couldn't fall in love with a handsome burly Scot who can forgive a she-devil who stabs him; yet makes sure her rose garden isn't destroyed as he rebuilds his newly captured keep! While I did get a bit frustrated with Rosalind and her general hatred of the Scot's, the author painted a perfectly acceptable reason for the anguish that Rosalind felt as she tried to fight her attraction to Malcolm. Overall, the pacing of the story was even and well sustained; and the manner in which the author allowed the story to be told was well done as well; but best of all the sensuality was deliciously steamy. With well-defined secondary characters and situations, this was an enormously entertaining read from beginning to end that I heartily recommend.

Lament for a Lady Laird: A Penny Spring and Sir Toby Glendower Mystery

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Full of atmosphere Scottish mystery and fairly well plotted
lament for a lady laird

Lament for a Lady Laird: A Penny Spring and Sir Toby Glendower Mystery
Margot Arnold
Manufacturer: Countryman Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 088150159X

Customer Reviews:

Full of atmosphere Scottish mystery and fairly well plotted.......2005-08-30

This isn't a five star book because the literary quality just isn't there, but it's a great book to curl up with on a stormy night. The setting is a large country house on the west coast of Scotland. An American woman has been surprised to inherit the lairdship of her clan, and with it, the estate. She moves in, but strange things start happening, so she calls on her friend Penny (the detective of this mystery) to come visit her and then Penny also experiences the same strange things. While the "laird" suspects the supernatural, Penny is convinced that someone is trying to scare the new laird into leaving -- possibly the person nearby who thought he would inherit. But there are lots of suspects, and before long, a body is found, and then they are looking for a killer -- possibly the same person who wants the new laird gone?

There are all the standard elements of Scottish mysteries -- grand houses, archeological sites, wishing wells, whirlpools, fog, the supernatural (?), etc. All in all, a fun book, although I can't say I was particularly surprised at "who done it."

lament for a lady laird.......2000-03-02

this book was just adult enough to hold the interest of my 13yearold daughter,a reluctant reader. i enjoyed it to. it is a slightly creepy non -violent cozy set in modern times. it is not cute or silly.

Lady And The Laird (Harlequin Historical 127)

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Lady And The Laird (Harlequin Historical 127)
Maura Seger
Manufacturer: harlequin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0373287275

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The Laird and the Lady
Vivian Donald
Manufacturer: A Signet Book/ New American Library
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000NPXSX8

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The Laird and the Lady
Vivian Donald
Manufacturer: Signet
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Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 0451051149

Laird and the Lady (Complete Works of Joan Grant)

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A Good Old-fashioned Read

Laird and the Lady (Complete Works of Joan Grant)
Joan M. Grant
Manufacturer: Arno Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0405117833

Customer Reviews:

A Good Old-fashioned Read.......2000-05-02

I read this book a long time ago and picked it up again recently. Even though I'm not a great fan of "gothic" novels, I remembered that this one was special and I was not at all disappointed. Wealthy Marylda Lovell is on her way back to the US after doing refugee work in Europe post WWII. As she is traveling through France she has a fender-bender with a the handsome Scots Laird of Cairdrie. Of course, romance blooms, they marry and settle down with his formidable grandmother in Castle Cloud. The only problem is that Marylda feels herself being taken over by the spirit of another Lady Cairdrie, who was also an American heiress. This is really an old fashioned ghost story, most enjoyable from beginning to end.

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The Laird and the Lady Royal
Vivian Donald
Manufacturer: Signet
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 0451080599

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The Laird's Lady
Joanne Rock
Manufacturer: Harlequin Enterprises, Limited
ProductGroup: Book
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Lament for a Lady Laird

Manufacturer: Countryman
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Stoner's Crossing, the Sequel to Frontier Lady

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Stoner's Crossing, the Sequel to Frontier Lady
Judith Pella
Manufacturer: NorthStar Audio Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio Cassette

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ASIN: B000OWFJZK

Product Description

Merc and Her Men By Elizabeth Lapthorne Kyli had always secretly held the fantasy of having two men at once. But following the stars out in the greater galaxy for seven odd years restricts the number of viable bed partners. Tired of fighting her body and wary now that she seemed to heal much more slowly, Kyli decides to head back home and apply for a position on the Force. She is initially rejected, but is curious about the second missive she receives. Drinking shots of Blue Vodka, waiting at the Corner Pub for her secretive contacts, she couldn't be more surprised when two ex-lovers enter the room and sit down next to her. Max has never found a woman like Kyli. They had broken up on not the best of terms, and when he runs into Gregor, they hatch a plan to recapture the elusive woman of his dreams. Only what Kyli doesn't know is that Max has no intention of letting her go after they fulfill her fantasy of the ultimate menage a trois. Max wants everything she can give him. And more.

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Customer Reviews:

So Romantic and Sizzling.......2007-01-21

Author Elizabeth Lapthorne wrote one romanctic story of Kyli and Max and Gregor. Max and Gregor meeting together during work they do as Mercs, told of Kyli's fantasy and Max and Gregor fulfill it and this author brings out beautiful sizzling scenes that brought two characters romance back together. Gregor stepping aside, see Kyli and Max's love grow and bond even more. I am so looking forward to reading Gregor's story, which is in ebook at Ellora's Cave. Too, don't miss out on her vampire books either. She's now an auto buy author. You'll know you'll get sizzling scenes, a romantic story and just a fantastic story within it all with Elizabeth Lapthornes books!

Just didn't care.......2006-08-17

about these people. The author never gives you a reason to. So why should I care about anything they do? Couldn't finish this book; didn't even get a third through it. Two stars because writing anything takes effort.

Sex and more Sex.......2006-07-11

I loved it! Very light, brainless reading. I need that at times. It helps block out real life on those days to tough to deal with. I read in one night and thoroughly enjoyed! Very racy stuff!

Sacred Voices: Essential Women's Wisdom Through the Ages
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Sacred Voices: A Banquet of Women's Wisdom

Sacred Voices: Essential Women's Wisdom Through the Ages
Mary Ford-grabowsky
Manufacturer: HarperOne
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0062517023
Release Date: 2002-03-05

Amazon.com

The idea for assembling this outstanding anthology of Sacred Voices came to editor Mary Ford-Grabowsky while she was packing up her possessions for a move to a new household. Sorting through her stack of spiritually inspirational quotes written on Post-It notes, it suddenly occurred to her that almost all of the quotes were by men. "How could I have ignored the sacred wisdom of my own sex?" she asks. The answer, of course, is that it was an easy oversight considering the historical credence given to the masculine perspective of the divine over the earthier, fleshy, relationship-centered perspective of the feminine.

Thus began Ford-Grabowsky's quest to assemble an anthology of women's spiritual writing. "I had expected the spiritual beauty and tenderness, the love and quiet wisdom, but not the towering, tested, truly holy strength," writes Ford-Grabowsky, who took five years to gather this powerful collection. Those seeking more traditional or orthodox religious writings will have to look elsewhere. But others who long for a feminine vision--whether to heal a spiritual crisis or simply find a quote to stick by a computer monitor--will find this anthology deeply satisfying. The first half is devoted to historical voices, such as Julian of Norwich, England; the Ashanti women of Ghana; and Lady Kasa of Japan. In the second half, "Voices of Our Times," readers will find the likes of Isadora Duncan, Virginia Woolf, Pema Chödrön, Sharon Olds, and Amy Tan. --Gail Hudson

Book Description

Moving chronologically through millennia of women's history from the earliest times to the present, this unique collection contains writings from over 173 of the world's women sages and saints.

Containing poetry, prayers, chants, meditations, and contemplative prose from all great religious traditions, this treasure trove gathers together for the first time the best of women's spiritual wisdom.

Women's spiritual experience has been suppressed through much of modern history and is only now been recovered in its full richness. This anthology contains writings from hundreds of women from the past five millennia and a wide range of cultures. The collection encompasses all areas of women's sacred experience from the most radically mystical encounters with the divine-including visions, locutions, and auditions-to simply daily awareness of the holy in all things.

Customer Reviews:

Sacred Voices: A Banquet of Women's Wisdom.......2002-04-02

Almost 175 women of all cultures and times, from a priestess of the goddess Inanna (2000 BCE) to contemporary storyteller Clarissa Pinkola Estes, are chronicled in this volume. A brief biography of each woman introduces her words: poems, letters, dreams, polemics, stories, sayings, visions, journals, even a recipe.

The reader meets famous women like Hildegard of Bingen or Georgia O'Keeffe, and obscure or anonymous women: Bibi Hayat of Persia, Sarada Devi of India, and Bedouin, Pygmy and Hopi women. One of my favorite entries is this poem where the erotic meets the mystical, from someone I'd never heard of, Rabia Al-Adawiyya, Persian, 717-801:

STARS ARE SHINING

O my Lord, stars are shining
And the eyes of men are closed.
Kings have shut their doors
And every lover is alone with his beloved.
Here I am alone with you.

Sacred Voices' entries bring us diversity of age, race, sexual orientation, historical period, geography, literary form, and spiritual perspective. It is a collection of the wisdom of old women, girls, mothers, artists, philosophers, mystics. We meet extravagant women, modest women--all passionate in their own ways, all truth-telling, all women of wisdom, all now, thanks to this book, part of our heritage.

The volume is encyclopedic but not intimidating, to be kept near at hand for inspiration, comfort, and challenge. Don't try to gulp it down in one swallow. I've been reading a few entries every day--what a treat!

Mary Ford-Grabowski has dug deep into the immense treasure of women's experiences and reflections. She deserves our thanks for bringing it to us in such a beautiful and useful volume.

Sacred Voices: Essential Women's Wisdom Through the Ages
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Sacred Voices: Essential Women's Wisdom Through the Ages
Mary (EDT) Ford-Grabowsky
Manufacturer: HarperSanFrancisco
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OF5RJK

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