Reviewer: Amy Lignor
Title: The Mulligans of Mt. Jefferson
Author: Don Reid
Publisher: David C. Cook
ISBN-13: 978-1-4347-6494-2
Release Date: January 2012
Genre/Sub-genre: Inspirational Fiction
Year/Setting: 1959/Mt. Jefferson, Virginia
Overall Rating: 3.5
Sexual Content Rating: None/Subtle
Language (Profanity/Slang) Content Rating: None/Mild
Violent Content Rating: Minimal/Moderate
Don's Website/Blog: www.donreid.net
Dear Readers:
This in-depth story takes a look at three friends who were born at the same place, same year, same month - but had very different lives.
Harlan, Carl, and Lieutenant Buddy Briggs are these three special friends. In fact, they are referred to as "The Mulligans." Buddy loves his family, especially his seventeen-year-old daughter who is about to give birth. He was raised in a loving home where Mom and Dad worked their behinds off (Dad being a fireman and Mom being a teacher), so his work ethic is extraordinary. He even met the love of his life, Amanda, when he was only eight-years old.
Harlan Stone came from a well-off family. His father was the local jeweler and they always had money in the bank. BUT Dad wanted to make sure that his money stayed in the bank - opting out of buying big houses or flashy cars, he lived life as a simple man. Harlan Stone was all about good grades, playing on the football team - a real "shining example" of an American teenager. He was also the perfect salesmen - like his father. He was handsome, smart and everyone ‘bought’ everything he said. He headed to college to begin a life that would take him far away from the jewelry store, but when his Dad had a heart attack, there went college. He ended up taking over the store and becoming his father.
Carl Vaxter is the third person in this boyhood friendship. Carl was a little ‘fiend.’ He loved running scams and had one for every occasion. He could find all different ways to make money. What did he become? The family minister.
One day, Harlan is shot by an intruder in his home, and the stories, memories, and trouble begin to mount as Buddy has to solve the crime. Could it have been jealousy? A business deal gone wrong? The clues are interesting and the odd characters in Mt. Jefferson are many.
The author does a lovely job of telling this story from all points of view, so that readers can know what each one of the boys feels, thinks, and does. Although a bit slow at times - from growing up as friends to becoming men, going off to war, and seeing how their lives turned out - the author does a fine job of speaking to his audience.
Until next time,
Amy
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