Book: The Trees

"The Trees" by Percival Everett is a sharp and evocative novel that intertwines elements of mystery, satire, and social commentary. Set in the small town of Money, Mississippi, the story is ignited by the discovery of a series of gruesome murders that echo the deeply entrenched racial tensions of America’s history. The novel begins with the brutal killing of two local white men, each found next to the corpse of a black man whose identity remains elusive.

As the plot unfolds, two convoluted detectives from the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, Ed Morgan and Jim Davis, are assigned to the case. They find themselves enmeshed in a complex web of historical and contemporary racism. Everett masterfully employs dark humor and a keen sense of irony as he explores the nature of vengeance and justice. The novel delves into the haunting legacy of lynchings, while challenging readers to reflect on the pervasive and enduring impact of racial violence. "The Trees" is both a gripping whodunit and a profound exploration of America's racial psyche, forcing readers to confront uncomfortable truths embedded in the nation’s past and present.