Mississippi Blood: A Novel

Written by Greg Iles

Narrated by Scott Brick

Don’t miss the latest Natchez Burning novel, SOUTHERN MAN

The endgame is at hand for Penn Cage, his family, and the enemies bent on destroying them in this revelatory volume in the epic trilogy set in modern-day Natchez, Mississippi—Greg Iles’s epic tale of love and honor, hatred and revenge that explores how the sins of the past continue to haunt the present.

Shattered by grief and dreaming of vengeance, Penn Cage sees his family and his world collapsing around him. The woman he loves is gone, his principles have been irrevocably compromised, and his father, once a paragon of the community that Penn leads as mayor, is about to be tried for the murder of a former lover. Most terrifying of all, Dr. Cage seems bent on self-destruction. Despite Penn's experience as a prosecutor in major murder trials, his father has frozen him out of the trial preparations--preferring to risk dying in prison to revealing the truth of the crime to his son.

During forty years practicing medicine, Tom Cage made himself the most respected and beloved physician in Natchez, Mississippi. But this revered Southern figure has secrets known only to himself and a handful of others. Among them, Tom has a second son, the product of an 1960s affair with his devoted African American nurse, Viola Turner. It is Viola who has been murdered, and her bitter son--Penn's half-brother--who sets in motion the murder case against his father. The resulting investigation exhumes dangerous ghosts from Mississippi's violent past. In some way that Penn cannot fathom, Viola Turner was a nexus point between his father and the Double Eagles, a savage splinter cell of the KKK. More troubling still, the long-buried secrets shared by Dr. Cage and the former Klansmen may hold the key to the most devastating assassinations of the 1960s. The surviving Double Eagles will stop at nothing to keep their past crimes buried, and with the help of some of the most influential men in the state, they seek to ensure that Dr. Cage either takes the fall for them, or takes his secrets to an early grave. 

Tom Cage's murder trial sets a terrible clock in motion, and unless Penn can pierce the veil of the past and exonerate his father, his family will be destroyed. Unable to trust anyone around him--not even his own mother--Penn joins forces with Serenity Butler, a famous young black author who has come to Natchez to write about his father's case. Together, Penn and Serenity--a former soldier--battle to crack the Double Eagles and discover the secret history of the Cage family and the South itself, a desperate move that risks the only thing they have left to gamble: their lives.

Mississippi Blood is the enthralling conclusion to a breathtaking trilogy seven years in the making--one that has kept readers on the edge of their seats. With piercing insight, narrative prowess, and a masterful ability to blend history and imagination, New York Times bestselling author Greg Iles illuminates the brutal history of the American South in a highly atmospheric and suspenseful novel that delivers the shocking resolution his fans have eagerly awaited. 

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperAudio
• Release date: Mar 21, 2017
• ISBN: 9780062657343

Greg Iles

Greg Iles spent most of his youth in Natchez, Mississippi. His first novel, Spandau Phoenix, was the first of thirteen New York Times bestsellers and his new trilogy continues the story of Penn Cage, protagonist of The Quiet Game, Turning Angel, and #1 New York Times bestseller The Devil's Punchbowl. Iles' novels have been made into films and published in more than thirty-five countries.

Reviews for Mississippi Blood

[Frances Dyer · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I loved this book! At first when I saw the length of it I was skeptical but I was kept enthralled throughout the entire book.

[Patricia Welles · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I had never heard of this author before. I thoroughly enjoyed It and I plan to listen to another. I particularly enjoyed the narrator which isn't always the case. Finding. Scribed is making my life enjoyable as I can't read a few pages without falling asleep. Thank you.

[Stacy Fogwill · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I just finished the entire series, this being the last book. I must say it has been a very very long time since an author has made me as emotional and shocked with a story. Mississippi Blood took me there. I was with the characters I wept tears so hard and smiled so big, I was stunned and shocked and surprised so often through this last chapter. I can only say WELL DONE SIR, WELL DONE!!! A MUST READ FOR EVERYONE

[Carol Kost Oettle · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Excellent author wish he'd be a Christian it would make his books better

[Dallas SUTTON · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Usually I like this author this book is about 6 hours too long or should have been busted up into two bucks you can only hear what a horrible attorney the other guy is so many times before it becomes repetitive.

[Geeta Patel · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

the book was very captivating. I really enjoyed the book.

[hemlokgang · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Excellent final installment of the Natchez Burning Trilogy! I could hardly stop listening even though the audio edition was 28 hours long! All the characters whom the reader has gotten to know are in it. The plot is fast-paced and full of twists. Interesting alliances, difficult choices and cross-hatched loyalties enhance the story. Enjoy!

[robertalea-223265 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I have finished this series. The first three books were easy to read.... the last three, not so much. I enjoyed the final one the most.

[brumby18 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Quite a good yarn loses itself with a bit of detail that's unnecessary Iwould recommend it

[grgenius_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Finished in the wee hours of the morning, not simply for a lack of time. This exciting end to the Natchez Burning trilogy once started, can not be put down, nor should it be because frankly, you HAVE to know what's going to happen to do many characters beloved and hated before you can call yourself satisfied. I'm not gonna lie, there is much darkness in this book, just like the rest, but what makes that all the harder is it could have simply been plucked from history. It shows man in his "finest" moments, both real and perceived, and reminds us just how far most would go for those we hold dear. If you've not read the prior two, I highly suggest you do and then dive into this grand finale.

[jhoaglin-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is the sixth and final book in the Penn Cage/Natchez, Mississippi series. The central character in these books, Penn, is one of my very favorite fictional heroes. Now serving as the mayor of Natchez, Penn was previously an assistant prosecutor in Houston, Texas. After the death of his wife Penn moved back to Natchez, his boyhood home, so that his parents might help him with his young daughter, Annie. Penn appears to be a younger version of his father, Tom Cage, a local physician, and one who will treat all who are ill, regardless of race or creed. Much like his Dad, Penn is a man of strong character with a steadfast demeanor, handsome and full of southern charm, but also thoughtful and insightful. Penn is devoted to those he loves, to his strong sense of justice, and to his convictions of right and wrong. A man of the south in many ways, Penn stands resolute against racism, discrimination, and all the violence that has been perpetrated against black Americans by fellow white men and women. In this last book of the series, Penn continues his fight against the Double Eagles, an extremely violent group who grew out of the Klu Klux Klan. Once again, in this book as in others in this series, major well-loved characters meet their demise. Now Penn is fighting not only for the causes of justice and “rightness”, but also for the survival of his own family, and for dear friends. This is a fast paced story, even with much of the unfolding story taking place in a courtroom, as Penn’s father is tried for murder. The courtroom scenes are every bit as spell-binding as the action that occurs outside the court, as attempt after attempt is made to squelch long-buried truths. Probably in this final book even more than any of the others, Penn’s human weaknesses are exposed; although he remains a hero to the end, the reader sees how far Penn must sometimes stretch his own integrity in order to accomplish his goals. I owe a big thanks to Bookreporter.com for the copy of this book I was provided, through their Word of Mouth program.

[gpangel_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

** spoiler alert ** Mississippi Blood by Greg Iles is a 2017 William Morrow publication. I’ve been putting off reading this book for a couple of reasons. One is that Greg Iles doesn’t churn out assembly line novels. It’s always a couple of long years between books, so I like to keep one waiting in the wings, so to speak. The other reason is that this is the last book, at far as I know, in the Penn Cage series, and I wanted to postpone saying goodbye to Penn for as long as possible. With the news that GI has a new book coming out soon, I decided it was finally time to tackle this final Penn Cage tome. The book picks up pretty much where the last one left off. Dr. Cage, Penn’s father, is in jail awaiting trial on a murder charge. Penn has buried his fiancé, Caitlin, coping with his grief, the impact these developments have on his young daughter, Annie, and trying to be there for his mother. However, he’s been avoiding his father, unable to face him, blaming him for Caitlin’s death. But, once he breaks the ice again, he intends to do whatever he can to keep his father out of prison. However, Dr. Cage’s attorney seems bent on throwing the case, while one shocking revelation after another sends ripples through the courtroom. Meanwhile, Snake Knox is still out there and is as much of a threat as he ever was- maybe even more so…Well, this certainly was a twisty, yet arduous finale to this trilogy/arc in the Penn Cage chronicles. It’s hard to place this one in any one specific category. This is a mystery/ thriller, of course, but this installment also has some courtroom drama, and while many won’t admit this, this trilogy has also come close to becoming a good old- fashioned southern family saga, as well. The story also puts a white -hot spotlight on race relations, especially in Mississippi. Mississippi blood is different. It's got some river in it. Delta soil, turpentine, asbestos, cotton poison. But there's a strength to it, too. Strength that's been beat but not broke."Many people will claim to be progressive thinkers, but when it comes to following through on the hard part of their idealism, they often falter. This is a story that examines these truths while also bringing southern fried justice to those who have wreaked havoc for decades. Some heroes have feet of clay, saints fall from grace, while old enemies shake off the ghosts of the past, and others will rise -up and put their bitterness and anger to rest, hopefully for good. As always, the reader gets their money’s worth from Greg Iles. This one weighs in at a little over seven hundred pages, as do previous installments. However, this one did drag on a bit too long, in my opinion. I do love epic sagas, as everyone knows, but when I find myself growing impatient, heaving a heavy sigh here or there, or fighting the urge to skip ahead, then maybe, for the sake of momentum, some areas could have been shortened, or left out entirely. That said, this was one heck of a wild ride. Not only were there a few earth shattering and shocking big reveals I never even saw coming, there was a fair amount of action, and of course I loved all that courtroom wrangling. But, for me, at the end of the day, it was the deep introspection and realizations about the people we think we know, the lengths in which some will go in order to protect what they have, what they know, a way of life, and the consequences others will pay for those actions, that makes this book special. Iles hits upon some hard truths in this novel, poking at what really lies in the deepest darkest corners of the heart."Our country's messed up, son. Mortally wounded. And I can't for the life of me see how we're going to heal it. Your generation can't do it. Even your're too old. The new ones coming along.... that's where the hope lies. if there is any.Penn’s musings are spot on in many ways and should compel readers to take a good, long look in the mirror and search one’s own heart and soul. Ask yourself the hard questions and answer them truthfully. Would you, if tested, have the courage of your own convictions? 4 stars

[decaturmamaof2 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Very suspenseful and gripping conclusion to the trilogy.

[roses7184_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Friends, I am winded from the epic sprint that Greg Iles sent me on with this book. I tell you, I was already eagerly awaiting this final installment in Penn Cage's family saga. What I wasn't prepared for though, was how much Iles was going to throw at me all at once. This book is a rapid fire rush to the finish the line. It sweeps you off your feet, and all you can do is hang on for dear life as everything that you've been waiting for unfolds in this maniacally beautiful fashion. This book right here, more than anything else, has proven to me what an expert writer Greg Iles is, and I happily bow down to that expertise.First off, let me say that I was originally a bit put off by courtroom melodrama that started in Mississippi Blood. Admittedly, I wasn't sure I actually wanted to read a whole murder case laid out on the page. I worried that it would slow things down. That is, of course, until I realized that even these portions of the book were utterly riveting. Watching Shad Johnson and Quentin Avery go at it soon became something that I looked forward to. Iles wrote two brilliant lawyers who, despite any flaws they might have otherwise had, were masters of the judiciary art. I felt like a part of the jury, as surprise witnesses were thrown into the mix and tantalizing details were unearthed. I felt like a part of Penn's family, as I watched them struggle to keep themselves together while dealing with what everyone around them was terming the "case of the century". In other words, I was completely engrossed. I've never run through a 700+ page book more quickly in my whole life. If I could have lived without sleeping for the three days I read this, I would have. I needed to know what happened next.More than that though, was the fact that Iles didn't let go of a bit of the character development that he'd been nursing throughout this whole series. Despite the trial, and all the violence surrounding it, he didn't stop at all in his quest to make the reader actually care about these characters. I admit, I teared up more than a few times during this book. I hadn't realized how much I actually empathized with Penn and his family until everything was ramping up to a conclusion. It amazed me how quickly I fell in step with even the new characters who were put in place, and how much I wanted them to succeed. It's no secret that I was a little angry after the last book, where Iles took something away from Penn that I really thought was unfair and unnecessary. Reading this installment though, I understood. I saw the reason. It didn't mend the hole in my heart, but I saw Penn in a new a light. A man who has been through hell and back, but still has a heart as big as anything. It's tough not to love a man like that, even when his decisions seem insane.Look, the point of this rambling review is to fairly confess that I started out this book with a bit of doubt as to whether or not I was going to fully enjoy it. I expected over the top courtroom melodrama, and worried that the climax might not be what I expected it to be. I'm happy to report that I was wrong. I was so very wrong. This book is amazing. Mississippi Blood is not only the ending that Penn Cage deserved, but the type of ending that any author should be damn proud of. My heart is still pounding from what happened, even after the epilogue tried to assuage my fears. This is mastery, plain and simple, and Greg Iles quite rightly has my heart.Am I sad that there won't be anymore Penn Cage? Yes. Will I happily read anything else that Greg Iles puts out into the world? Absolutely. If you haven't started this series yet, please do. This is a genre that I all but never read, and so you can trust me when I say that this is worth your time. 2,100 pages later, and I'm not even the least bit sorry that I put in the time.

[juju2cat · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Brilliant. Violent. Intense.... I feel spent and drained after finishing this trilogy. Bottom line is that there is an amazing amount of love and goodness in the world but there will always be "race" ugliness. It's not just black and white; even Native American Indian tribes warred against each other. It's good versus evil on an individual basis. When I retire next year I plan to reread the books all in one sitting!

[delphimo_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Finally, the end of this lengthy saga by Greg Iles. Greg Iles does a wonderful job with setting, characters, and dialogue; but each of the three novels remain too long. Iles compels the reader to remain reading as if on a marathon and everyday life fades away. I felt that many issues had not been fully resolved as the novel ended. The trial of Tom Cage labored forever to this reader, and so much emphasis given to tiny detail. The corrupt police department seemed to constantly win the battle, a statement that evilness wins, and goodness loses. Many of the truths seem hidden, especially Viola's death.

[adpaton · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

When you start a trilogy with the third book, things can go one of two ways: you either give up in confusion after a few chapters, or you eagerly devour it. A good writer will keep you glued to the book, and searching for the first two volumes. This is a good writer. Greg Iles writes thrillers, most of which are set in the Mississippi area, and some of which feature former prosecutor and Natchez Mayor Penn Cage, a tragi-heroic character who has already lost his wife to cancer and his fiancé to racist killers.Mississippi Blood is a page-turner of such epic proportions: Mayor Cage’s father is on trial for murder, and the whole family is under threat of attack by psychotic white supremacists, and corrupt officials. Biker gangs, acid attacks, court room drama, racism, mounting suspense, and very good writing: Greg Iles is a find.

[satxreader · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Member Reviewer norinrad10 put it succinctly: "Is there a more annoying protagonist then Penn Cage? I'd be hard pressed to name one." This book is easily 200 pages too long, the author apparently trying too hard to throw out tendrils attempting to be "twists". Honestly, unless you are absolutely hooked on the first two installments and just can't stand the thought of not reading the wrap-up, I'd advise you to spend your time reading something else.

[creighley_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The last of the Natchez Burnong series, sees Peen Cage's father, Tom Cage, on trial for the murder of his former nurse. During the last forty years Dr. Tom Cage has made himself the most respected doctor around. As Penn seeks to unearth the truth of the horrible past of racial tensions and the devastating aftermath of the Double Eagles, a splinter group of the KKK, he finds his father's involvement an intregal part of the past. Great read!

[norinrad10 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Is there a more annoying protagonist then Penn Cage? I'd be hard pressed to name one. This is the third part of Greg Iles Penn led civil rights era rooted trilogy. This episode is much more action packed then the two previous entries and that action is needed to cover up the holes in the plot. Mississippi Blood finds Penn's father, doctor Tom Cage, standing trial for an alleged murder. An off shoot of the Klan does everything in their power to make sure that he is convicted. The historical aspects are interesting but in the end the book is doomed by its lack of congruencies. Character exist mainly as a vechicile for the author to make social commentary. They come to the forefront and then are summarily dismissed to a secondary role with no clear purpose. Plot lines are left dangling throughout the book.This could have been a great book, instead it's a passable beach read.

[cherylefisher · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

THE FINAL BOOK IN THE TRILOGY. PENN CAGE IS THE FOCUS OF THE BOOKS. IN THIS FINAL CHAPTER THE TRIAL OF HIS PHYSICIAN FATHER IS FINALLY HAPPENING, BUT PENN IS TOLD HE WILL NOT DEFEND HIS FATHER. BUT THAT DOES NOT STOP HIM FROM CONTINUING HIS SEARCH FOR THE TRUTH

[twink_2 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I have been impatiently awaiting Mississippi Blood, the third book in Greg Iles' epic 'Natchez Burning' Trilogy. The last few chapters of the middle book, The Bone Tree, left me gasping, crying and re-reading to make sure what I thought happened, really happened. It did and I've been desperate to see where Iles would take the narrative. For those of you who haven't read this series (you need to) here's a quick overview from the publisher:",....tale of love and honor, hatred and revenge that explores how the sins of the past continue to haunt the present."So, Mississippi Blood picks up a few weeks later. Penn Cage is speaking to the reader and says..."If you don't want the truth, stop reading now. If you go on, don't say I didn't warn you." Not a chance in heck I could stop reading.I have no idea how I'm going to truly do this book justice with my own words. There is hands down one of the best courtroom scenes I've ever read at the heart of the book. Tom Cage seems determined to not defend himself in court. The defence mounted by attorney Quentin Avery seems to be not mounting any defence at all. Tom's son Penn is desperate to save his father - and what is left of his family. Is Tom guilty of murder? Who else could have killed Viola? (Who really did will stun you!) Surrounding the trial is more danger, death, love, hate, lies, fears, hopes and more. Iles captures the attitudes, history (much of this trilogy is based on fact) and racial tensions of Mississippi through his characters, their dialogue, settings and situations. The words fairly simmer on the page. But amongst all of the ugliness are those who want better for themselves, their families and their communities.I was all over the place reading - angry, scared, hopeful and teary again. (Seriously, another beloved character gone?!) I could not put the book down. I was sucked back into the story on page one and only emerged three days and almost seven hundred pages later.The title? "Mississippi blood is different. … there’s strength in it too. Strength that’s been beat but not broke. That’s Mississippi Blood." If you haven't read this trilogy, you are missing out on some phenomenal storytelling. Storytelling that unfortunately is based in reality. Absolutely recommended. And don't you dare read this book until you've read the first two.

[draak_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is the last book in the trilogy that started with Natchez Burning, then The Bone Tree and concludes in Mississippi Blood. With the trial of Dr. Tom Cage about to start Penn has enough on his plate trying to make sure everyone is safe from the Double Eagles leader Snake Knox. This book is hard to put down and harder to sit still while reading. Greg Iles weaves such a tale of intrigue that you really want to turn to the last chapter to find out who, what, when, where and why. But don't do it or you will miss the fun of reading every word in this book. You will laugh, cry, get angry. This is definitely not a feel good book but it is a book you have to read. Reading the first two before reading Mississippi Blood is a must and you won't be sorry.

[virginia51-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This was a fantastic ending to this three part series. This wrapped up every bit of this story. This was a story where I laughed and cried. This was a sad part of our history. Hopefully we all learn from some of this story. I loved the characters throughout this three part series. I received an ebook copy of this from edelweiss for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

[patrickjiv_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

One of the very few books that I've given a 5 rating. Outstanding read.

[jfe16 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The final installment of the trilogy begun in “Natchez Burning,” the story picks up where it left off in “The Bone Tree,” putting Penn Cage’s father Tom on trial for the murder of Viola Turner. Confounded by his father’s refusal to defend himself, Penn must find a way to exonerate Tom or else the destruction of the entire Cage family seems certain. The tension is palpable; people are afraid to tell what they know. Penn joins forces with former soldier Serenity Butler, an author who has come to town to write about his father’s case. Together they battle the white supremacist Double Eagles in a search for the truth. With exquisite characterizations, including the south itself, this narrative, filled with unexpected plot twists and unforeseen obstacles, is guaranteed to keep readers on the edge of their seats. Spectacular courtroom scenes and gritty, harrowing action join forces to spin a tale of family, love, and redemption while revealing the corruption, betrayal, lies, love, and losses woven into the fabric of this magnificent saga. The past, embedded in the present, provides depth and explanation for the unfolding events. Pulse-pounding and enthralling, the expert telling of this compelling tale makes this book unputdownable.Highly recommended.

[ddjtj1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

MISSISSIPPI BLOOD BY GREG ILES is the third in the book of trilogies starting with Natchez Burning, & The Bone Tree. In all honesty this is the first book of Mr.Iles I have read, so in other words I started at the ending. It doesnt matter to me though. MISSISSIPPI BLOOD is so fast paced and so page turning that I picked up the nuances of the trilogy right away. Set in Natchez, Mississippi (the authors home town) Penn Gage and his family are battling forces of evil that have been around decades. These forces are men who feels its justified now & back in the 60's the KKK or in this case a very radical version the Double Eagles to beat, kill, rape African Americans & any whites who stand with them or love them. Lives are at stake in Mississippi Blood, lives of Penn Gage's family, friends & yes Penn Gage himself. Lives of the past, lives of the present & the future. Penn Gage must not only try to save his father from death but keep away from and help capture the worst of the worst member of the Double Eagles. Its never easy to walk right into a series or in this instance a trilogy,but Mr Iles writes so well that I did not have to read the first two books even though I plan to . I had no trouble enjoying MISSISSIPPI BLOOD to the very last page. The book is fairly long, over six hundred pages but dont be daunted because of it. This book reads so fast and the pace stays so strong you will be done before you know it.I recieved this book from goodreads free in exchange for a review.