Don Reid (2) (1945–)

Harlan has been shot, supposedly by a burglar.
Buddy’s investigating the shooting. He’s been Harlan’s friend since they were kids. And he knows Harlan isn’t telling the whole story.
We’re introduced to several characters who might potentially be the shooter:
Fritz – the enigma. No one knows his last name, or where he’s from, or why he’s so fiercely loyal to Harlan’s father
Nicoli – the ne’er do well. No one knows how he affords his posh house or why he carries a gun at show more all times.
Nick – the bookie. Most people in town owe him money.
The mystery of Who Shot Harlan? is an involving arc. But the book isn’t really a mystery. It’s really about three boys growing up to be decent men.
In their youth, Harlan, Buddy and Cal were shysters, opportunists who were always running a scam.
Harlan takes over the family business when his father has a stroke, even though it means giving up his dream of going to college.
Buddy becomes a good cop who puts justice ahead of his personal interests.
Cal goes from juvenile delinquent to Reverend.
The moralizing isn’t heavy-handed, but you end up with a pretty clear idea of what the author thinks a man should be: loyal, responsible and unselfish.
Amen to that, I say. Also, it’s well-written. show less

The characters in this book are very believable,, they are not over-dramatic and they don't stumble over each other as can happen in a book with several characters. The connections are clear leaving the reader to enjoy the book and not constantly look back to remember who is who.

This is a 'small' town story with some very big characters. Mt Jefferson is actually a big city but you can feel the small townness of it as you read. It is 1958 and a 15 year old girl is caught shoplifting in the show more five and dime managed by Milton. He came to Mt. Jefferson and liked it so much he refused other promotions so he could stay here. Milton is married to Coleen who's sister, Doris, is married to Doctor Campbell Sterrett. Their son, Louis, is secretly dating Shirley Ann, whos is the daughter of Lt. Buddy Briggs, of the Mt. Jefferson police department. His wife, Amanda, is best friends with Dove Franklin, wife of Rev. Paul Franklin of the local Methodist Church...who's 15 year old daughter has just been caught shoplifting at the local five and dime.

Meanwhile, Walter, the father of Doris and Colleen is spending the days before Christmas in the hospital. The same hospital where he spent so much time in 1904, waiting for a bit of news and permission to see the stage actress who was accidently shot after a show. Walter, smitten with the woman, was 17 and witnessed the shooting. Now, so near the room where she lay so many years ago, Walter remembers the days leading up to the shooting and the days afterward.

It all flows together smoothly and makes a great read. I was a little hesitant to read this book, wondering if a country singer could actually write a book that could hold my interest but I had no need to worry. I couldn't put the book down and finished it in one day. I would love it if there is a sequel. show less

Interesting book--actually a backstory and a current story. Written by one of the singers from the country group The Statler Brothers. I liked the whole behind the scenes of this small town there lie a lot of secrets concept. It was a bit of a downer as novels go though.

This was a sweet Christmas book that I really enjoyed. Set in a smallish town where you may know who some people are but you’ve never been close to them. As Christmas comes along these families lives become intertwined and will never be the same again.

I was afraid at first when it started out with a pastor I thought uhoh it’s going to be preachy but it wasn’t at all. This was a story of failures and forgiveness and what family and love mean to you as a person. This book was full of show more flawed characters all trying their hardest to make it in the world,and to do their best in overcoming everything life throws at them.

This was a look into the lives of a diverse group of people who are intertwined in ways none of them ever expected. It was like being a fly on the wall and an intimate look into the real lives of people, not just the outside they show other people. I thought all the characters were believable and seemed like people you would know in your own hometown.

This was just an all around good story and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a good Christmas read!

4 Stars show less