THE SKY TOOK HIM is the fourth book in Donis Casey's historical mystery series. Early 20th century Oklahoma is the setting and Alafair Tucker and her extended family are the stars. I have been a big fan of this author since I ran across her first book, THE OLD BUZZARD HAD IT COMING. Is that a great title or what? The two entries following were entitled HORNSWOGGLED and THE DROP EDGE OF YONDER respectively. I wrote about book 3 here.
THE SKY TOOK HIM begins with Alafair travelling by train to visit her sister, Ruth Ann, in Enid, Oklahoma. Alafair's oldest daughter, Martha, and her youngest daughter, Grace, accompany her as they go to give comfort to Ruth Ann and her daughter, Olivia, because Alafair's brother-in-law, Lester, is gravely ill and not expected to live. Olivia's husband, Kenneth, who should be supporting his wife and her family at this sad time seems to be missing, and Alafair arrives to find things in a mess. Kenneth has squandered funds from the family business, gotten involved with at least one shady character, and sunk a small fortune into an oil well that may or may not prove a good investment. Enid is bustling with Founders Day preparations, and Martha is surprised, and not entirely pleased, to find a friend from home coming to call on her. Alafair has her hands full trying to help nurse Lester, support her sister and niece, corral Grace and the family cat, Ike, and also assist the local lawmen in solving a murder or two.
I love this series and was pleased to find that this entry was just as intriguing and informative as ever. My grandmother grew up in Oklahoma near the setting of Boynton (Alafair's home) and all the period detail rings very true to me. The book includes lots of extra information at the end as well as several recipes. Two of them were most familiar to me, as I ate lots of Gumbo Soup and mashed butternut squash at my grandmother's table. Alafair is a strong, courageous woman with moral fiber aplenty. I look forward to reading about Alafair and her family for many years to come.
I was privileged to attend Donis Casey's launch party for this book last Saturday afternoon at the Poisoned Pen Bookstore in Scottsdale, Arizona and also meet this lovely author. It was a great event that I will tell about in another blog entry. For another great review of this book, check out this entry at Lesa's Book Critiques.
I am so glad you enjoyed this one, Kay! I read another review of it not long ago and my interest then was piqued. I'll have to add this one to my wish list. Does the series have to be read in order?
ReplyDeleteI look forward to reading the first one in this series. And, I'm eager to read about your time in Arizona. :)
ReplyDeleteWendy, I'm one of those people who pretty much always thinks a series should be read in order. This particular one has events that happen to the family that would be spoilers if you didn't read in order. Alafair has 10 kids. They grow, change, get married, etc.
ReplyDeleteJoy, I hope to have time to write my blog entry about our trip today. If not, tomorrow. We did have a good time.
I'm looking forward to reading your blog about the trip as well. Loved your review, Kay. But, most of all, it was so nice to meet you, and spend time with you.
ReplyDeleteFunny thing happened. A library in the town just west of my hometown in Ohio sent me a link to their historical society blog. I was reading about the library's stained glass window, and it was designed by a woman who always wanted to have an artistic dude ranch in Oklahoma. She collected items for it, but never started the ranch. I passed the link on to Donis, because the artist spent time in OK during the Depression.
And, I agree with you. The series should be read in order, for exactly the reasons you cited.
Kay, what a nice review. Thank you very much. It was wonderful to meet you in Tempe. I hope to get out your way - back to my old home ground - one of these days.
ReplyDeleteLesa, isn't it a small world? I'm constantly amazed. I loved our time together. Glad we could get connected and glad we will stay that way.
ReplyDeleteDonis, thanks so much for stopping by. I hope we can meet again sometime.