The Ballad of Tom Dooley by Sharyn McCrumb

Based on history, McCrumb spins a tale of jealousy, deceit, and murder following the events of the early spring of 1866 and Pauline Foster, kin to Ann Foster Melton whose lover was Tom Dula (Dooley). Mountain life in Wilkes county after the war was harsh, most of the young men lost in battle, single women had to do what they had to to survive. The song of Tom Dooley romanticizes his life, but in actuality, he seems to have been a loner, not much for working, and a lover of the ladies. Very interesting, moves right along, hard to put down. A good read.