The Daughter of Anderson Crow   By: George Barr McCutcheon (1866-1928)

The Daughter of Anderson Crow by George Barr McCutcheon is a delightful and heartwarming tale set in the small town of Tecumseh, Indiana. This book, a sequel to McCutcheon's earlier work, Anderson Crow, Detective, continues the adventures of the lovable and eccentric character, Anderson Crow, and his beloved daughter Cora.

The story begins with Anderson Crow, the town marshal of Tecumseh, happily retired and enjoying his newfound leisure time. However, when his daughter Cora returns home after spending years in Europe, things quickly become exciting in their quiet town.

Cora’s arrival brings a flurry of excitement and drama as she unintentionally becomes the center of attention for several romantic suitors in town, including the handsome and ambitious lawyer, Franklin De Morne.

What unfolds is a delightful and humorous story that skillfully captures the essence of small-town life and the idiosyncrasies of its inhabitants. McCutcheon's witty writing style, filled with clever dialogue and comical situations, brings the characters and their world to life.

The characters in The Daughter of Anderson Crow are expertly crafted. Anderson Crow himself is a lovable and bumbling character, who often finds himself in humorous predicaments, while Cora is portrayed as a strong-willed and independent woman who faces the challenges of small-town gossip with grace and determination.

Moreover, McCutcheon's vivid descriptions of Tecumseh and its quirky residents create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. From the lively barber shop debates to the bustling town square, the reader becomes fully immersed in the charming setting.

One of the strengths of this book is its ability to simultaneously entertain and provide social commentary. McCutcheon skillfully highlights the absurdities of small-town politics and the power dynamics within the community. Through lighthearted satire, the author addresses societal issues, including the role of women in early 20th-century America.

The pacing of The Daughter of Anderson Crow is well-balanced, as McCutcheon takes the time to develop the characters and their relationships before delving into the more dramatic moments of the plot. This allows the reader to form a genuine connection with the characters and become emotionally invested in their journeys.

Overall, The Daughter of Anderson Crow is a charming and entertaining novel that combines humor, romance, and social commentary seamlessly. McCutcheon's witty writing and well-crafted characters make this book a joy to read. It will undoubtedly appeal to readers who appreciate light-hearted stories with a touch of nostalgia and a dose of eccentricity.

First Page:

CHAPTER I. ANDERSON CROW, DETECTIVE II. THE PURSUIT BEGINS III. THE CULPRITS IV. ANDERSON RECTIFIES AN ERROR V. THE BABE ON THE DOORSTEP VI. REFLECTION AND DEDUCTION VII. THE MYSTERIOUS VISITOR VIII. SOME YEARS GO BY IX. THE VILLAGE QUEEN X. ROSALIE HAS PLANS OF HER OWN XI. ELSIE BANKS XII. THE SPELLING BEE XIII. A TINKLETOWN SENSATION XIV. A CASE OF MISTAKEN IDENTITY XV. ROSALIE DISAPPEARS XVI. THE HAUNTED HOUSE XVII. WICKER BONNER, HARVARD XVIII. THE MEN IN THE SLEIGH XIX. WITH THE KIDNAPERS XX. IN THE CAVE XXI. THE TRAP DOOR XXII. JACK, THE GIANT KILLER XXIII. TINKLETOWN'S CONVULSION XXIV. THE FLIGHT OF THE KIDNAPERS XXV. AS THE HEART GROWS OLDER XXVI. THE LEFT VENTRICLE XXVII. THE GRIN DERISIVE XXVIII. THE BLIND MAN'S EYES XXIX. THE MYSTERIOUS QUESTIONER XXX. THE HEMISPHERE TRAIN ROBBERY XXXI. "AS YOU LIKE IT" XXXII. THE LUCK OF ANDERSON CROW XXXIII. BILL BRIGGS TELLS A TALE XXXIV. ELSIE BANKS RETURNS XXXV... Continue reading book >>