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Alafair Tucker #3
The Drop Edge of Yonder
Alafair Tucker is desperate to find out. One August evening in 1914, a bushwhacker ended a pleasant outing by blowing a hole in Bill McBride, kidnapping and ravaging Bills fiance, and wounding Alafairs daughter Mary. All Mary knows is that the crime had something to do with the Fourth of July.
215 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2007
19 people are currently reading
124 people want to read
About the author
Donis Casey
12Ìýbooks91ÌýfollowersDONIS CASEY was born and raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma. A third generation Oklahoman, she and her siblings grew up among their aunts and uncles, cousins, grandparents and great-grandparents on farms and in small towns, where they learned the love of family and independent spirit that characterizes the population of that pioneering state. Donis graduated from the University of Tulsa with a degree in English, and earned a Master’s degree in Library Science from Oklahoma University. After teaching school for a short time, she enjoyed a career as an academic librarian, working for many years at the University of Oklahoma and at Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona.
Donis left academia in 1988 to start a Scottish import gift shop in downtown Tempe. After more than a decade as an entrepreneur, she decided to devote herself full-time to writing. The Old Buzzard Had It Coming is her first book. For the past twenty years, Donis has lived in Tempe, AZ, with her husband.
Donis left academia in 1988 to start a Scottish import gift shop in downtown Tempe. After more than a decade as an entrepreneur, she decided to devote herself full-time to writing. The Old Buzzard Had It Coming is her first book. For the past twenty years, Donis has lived in Tempe, AZ, with her husband.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
February 21, 2013
This cozy series just keeps getting better and better. The characters are believable and true to the times.
October 21, 2014
This is assigned reading for one of my book clubs. We are all reading a different Casey book and will have a discussion about the books and the author's style.
I found it much more engaging than I thought I would. I do not read a lot of mysteries and I don't read western stories. However, Casey won me over with her story of marriage, family and community dedication. That the mother of a large brood is the problem solver and detective is just priceless. I believed in these people and shared in their joys and sorrows.
Highly Recommended.
I found it much more engaging than I thought I would. I do not read a lot of mysteries and I don't read western stories. However, Casey won me over with her story of marriage, family and community dedication. That the mother of a large brood is the problem solver and detective is just priceless. I believed in these people and shared in their joys and sorrows.
Highly Recommended.
October 20, 2017
This is the third book in the Alafair Tucker seres. I really enjoyed the other two, but this one wasn't as good. There really was no mystery, and "the bushwhacker in the woods thing" just seemed too unealistic. I love Alifair and her folksy manner, and the way she marshals her large brood of children. Arkansas in the early 1900's is realistically protrayed. This is a great historical mystery series, so I will continue to read more. She is just too much fun!
August 2, 2012
The year is 1914. The place is Oklahoma. It’s an era when life is less hectic, without computers and email, without cell phones and texts, without connections to the world wide web. A time when people could go visiting at any time without fear for their safety. When mothers didn’t worry when their kids were out all day. When young people could have fun on a picnic when their chores were done. But even in that laid-back rustic setting evil lurked. A pleasant outing with four friends ends abruptly when shots ring out, leaving in its wake the wounded, the dying, the missing. Alafair and her kin are left bereft with senseless act of violence against their family by an unknown killer. Mary, recovering physically but left with impaired memory, struggles to remember anything that may lead the law to capture the murderer. Alafair, her mother, vows to keep her and the rest of her family safe but her brood chafes under her constant supervision. While the menfolk hunt the killer, Alafair hunts for clues. Can Mary and her mother puzzle it out before it is too late? Much of the charm of this book and the entire series comes from the authentic portrayal of life in Oklahoma nearly one hundred years ago, and of the strong familial ties in this family of twelve siblings and their parents. This well performed audio version is just icing on the cake.
March 8, 2018
This is the second Alafair Tucker mystery I've listened to. The books are set in Oklahoma in the early 1900's. Alafair and her husband, Shaw, own and run a ranch and are parents to a large brood of children ranging in age from 2 to 20's. In between the numerous chores involved in ranch life and family life, Alafair doesn't hesitate to get involved when crime comes to town. Her cousin is the sheriff and he has learned that Alafair often has a way of getting to the truth. I like the details of everyday life the author sprinkles throughout the story. The mystery wasn't ridiculously easy to solve, there were plenty of characters who could have been the guilty party and it was an interesting gallop to the ending. Looking forward to the next in the series!
October 26, 2013
3.5 stars. I enjoy this series a good deal. She puts me in a specific place and time and with people who are nothing at all like me but who I understand through her portrayal of them. The series is a little bit like The Waltons meets the bloody murder mystery. That sounds like a strange meeting, but it works.
I also like that someone out there is publishing short mysteries. Mysteries and crime novels can be done well in 50,000 words. (Look at the Parker novels.) Not every novel has to double as a doorstop. A lot of contemporary novels are padded out to hit 100,000 words, but I think I like the lean novel better.
I also like that someone out there is publishing short mysteries. Mysteries and crime novels can be done well in 50,000 words. (Look at the Parker novels.) Not every novel has to double as a doorstop. A lot of contemporary novels are padded out to hit 100,000 words, but I think I like the lean novel better.
June 6, 2016
A continuation of the Alafair Tucker mystery series. This one takes place about 2years after "Hornswoggled". Alafair's newest child is now 2 years old. But, she just about loses her second child, Mary, when during an outing with her uncle Bill, a murderer starts taking pot shots knocking Mary unconscious and killing her uncle Bill. The story focuses on the attempts of Alafair and the town sheriff deciphering clues left by the killer and entries in Mary's diary to find the killer who seems determined to make sure Mary does not continue to live.
March 1, 2017
The title of this book is so intriguing it almost lures you to read. This is an excellent book.
Four youngsters are going for a ride on a sunny afternoon. Without notice, the young man is shot from his horse. One of the young women is injured. The second vanishes. The third, and youngest, flees for her father.
Alifair Tucker is a tiger when her children are threatened. This time the child in peril is her daughter Mary. The sheriff and Alifair eventually untangle a series of misleading clues for a satisfactory and plausible ending.
Four youngsters are going for a ride on a sunny afternoon. Without notice, the young man is shot from his horse. One of the young women is injured. The second vanishes. The third, and youngest, flees for her father.
Alifair Tucker is a tiger when her children are threatened. This time the child in peril is her daughter Mary. The sheriff and Alifair eventually untangle a series of misleading clues for a satisfactory and plausible ending.
March 14, 2016
This series is entertaining and quite realistic. This one is set in 1912, in the Oklahoma Territory where the others have occurred. I like the setting, since it is also where my mother's family lived, around the same time. I appreciate the fast pace and I usually read one in an evening although I'm not a speedy reader. You have to take into consideration that so many murders in such a small town, book after book, is a bit unusual, but lots of series do that.
December 4, 2016
Each Alafair Tucker Mystery features a different member in her family, a simple crime, and a relatively happy ending. I enjoy the historical accuracy of these books depicting life in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
September 28, 2018
Delightful local flavor - including the recipe for okra pie!
December 4, 2022
The Drop Edge of Yonder by Donis Casey is the third book of the Alafair Tucker mystery series set in 1914 Oklahoma Territory. Alafair and Shaw Tucker have 10 children ranging from 2-20. Alafair is a talented mother: fierce when necessary to protect her own, gentle when they need soothing, firm when they need to follow instructions or learn a lesson. She's insightful and perceptive, skilled at ferreting out the truth of a situation.
One hot August day four young friends set out on horseback. Laura and Bill are engaged to marry, the younger girls happy to join in a fun outing. Without warning, shots ring out. Bill is dead, Laura is missing, Mary unconscious when Ruth runs for help. Laura is later found, but remains "at the drop edge of yonder" - unable to return to her normal, alert self. Mary cannot remember what happened, just that it has something to do with the 4th of July. She begins keeping a journal, to record what she can remember as stray memories come back.
When additional murders occur, Alafair fears for her children's safety. She and Shaw command the farm hands to watch and guard the children at all times. She begins actively (but subtly) detecting among neighbors and acquaintances, suspecting an event from the past may link the victims. She's right.
It's a pleasure to read all the small details of daily life in such a huge family, on a big farm. A life without modern conveniences, so lots of work, but seasoned with abundant love. A third generation Oklahoman, the author writes authentically of life in Oklahoma Territory small towns and farms.
Alafair's recipes include guidelines on traditional Southern ways to prepare okra, rice, ice cream, tomatoes, piccalilli, chicken & dumplings ("a good way to cook a tough old bird"). Also included are: Alafair's mother's instructions How to Iron a Shirt, plus a Compendium of terms used in the story.
One hot August day four young friends set out on horseback. Laura and Bill are engaged to marry, the younger girls happy to join in a fun outing. Without warning, shots ring out. Bill is dead, Laura is missing, Mary unconscious when Ruth runs for help. Laura is later found, but remains "at the drop edge of yonder" - unable to return to her normal, alert self. Mary cannot remember what happened, just that it has something to do with the 4th of July. She begins keeping a journal, to record what she can remember as stray memories come back.
When additional murders occur, Alafair fears for her children's safety. She and Shaw command the farm hands to watch and guard the children at all times. She begins actively (but subtly) detecting among neighbors and acquaintances, suspecting an event from the past may link the victims. She's right.
It's a pleasure to read all the small details of daily life in such a huge family, on a big farm. A life without modern conveniences, so lots of work, but seasoned with abundant love. A third generation Oklahoman, the author writes authentically of life in Oklahoma Territory small towns and farms.
Alafair's recipes include guidelines on traditional Southern ways to prepare okra, rice, ice cream, tomatoes, piccalilli, chicken & dumplings ("a good way to cook a tough old bird"). Also included are: Alafair's mother's instructions How to Iron a Shirt, plus a Compendium of terms used in the story.
March 7, 2022
I won this book by the author. This is the first book i have read by this author and i have to say i will be reading many more by her.
The book takes place in Muskogee County, Oklahoma 1914. A place where good wholesome people live and look out of each other and when help is needed on the farms they all chip in to help.
Alafair Tucker- a kind woman with a heart of gold. She comforts others even though she is going through tough times herself. A strong woman- loving wife and mother.
Her brother in law Bill is murdered, his fiancee is kidnapped and Alafair's daughter Mary is injured.
She sets out to find out who the murderer is and will protect the ones she loves. Recipes included in the back of the book.
The book takes place in Muskogee County, Oklahoma 1914. A place where good wholesome people live and look out of each other and when help is needed on the farms they all chip in to help.
Alafair Tucker- a kind woman with a heart of gold. She comforts others even though she is going through tough times herself. A strong woman- loving wife and mother.
Her brother in law Bill is murdered, his fiancee is kidnapped and Alafair's daughter Mary is injured.
She sets out to find out who the murderer is and will protect the ones she loves. Recipes included in the back of the book.
January 15, 2022
Won a copy of this book signed by the author. Didn't remember where I entered to get it. Not my normal book genre but I loved this book!!! Hated to put it down to go back to work!! Great read, wonderful characters and enough description to let me know where and when it was. Didn't completely see what was coming which is great! Some I anticipated but not enough to put me off. Now I have to read Donis Casey's other Alafair Tucker mysteries.
December 7, 2018
My pet peeve- For those aspiring/current authors that need to put horses in your books, please, have an editor that is knowledgeable in this subject. Horses, do not get their “hooves shaved� they get them trimmed. Foals (baby horses) do not have their feet shod which means shoed unless there is a significant problem. Otherwise, this book is absolutely wonderful.
August 2, 2017
this is a wonderful series
March 6, 2018
Interesting mystery.
May 30, 2018
Excellent series set in early 20th century Oklahoma.
August 27, 2019
A pleasant read and you learn about life about 1917ish in Oklahoma.
October 29, 2020
I really enjoy this series. Especially since the setting is close to my hometown of Muskogee, OK.
April 14, 2023
A Library find.
Interesting!
Enjoyable!
Entertaining!
Suspenseful!
Hard to put down!
Strong characters!
Cleverly written!
Well thought out plot!
Don't miss!
Interesting!
Enjoyable!
Entertaining!
Suspenseful!
Hard to put down!
Strong characters!
Cleverly written!
Well thought out plot!
Don't miss!
December 20, 2008
This story explores Mary's point of view besides her mother Alafair's. The family's women are all becoming very well fleshed out with their attitudes explained without making it obtrusive. This story has Mary just as the others each focused on daughters Phoebe and Alice. It is the women who drive the story because they remain a close group in this culture with distinct cultural sphere's. Ms Casey in not taking a soap box stand just relating it as it was and explaining it well to modern women.
November 6, 2011
I love Alafair and her extended and far-flung family. This one started on a very sad note and then spent time trying to understand the why as well as the who.
No spoilers here but the emotion punch of this book is extreme and hard to read in places. Yet, the book is so true to life and how things work that it compels you to keep reading.
I'll be going back to Alafair and her loving family soon.
No spoilers here but the emotion punch of this book is extreme and hard to read in places. Yet, the book is so true to life and how things work that it compels you to keep reading.
I'll be going back to Alafair and her loving family soon.
November 28, 2010
Once again, I could not put her book down. I think this one was even more so because it was so much more personal to the family, and a much sadder read. These stories are so engaging, you feel like you are right there with the family. Can't wait to read the next one.
August 4, 2011
Donis sure does know how to write a story. Kept me interested through the whole book. Best of the 3 so far. I got real close to figuring it out who done it, oh she's good. I really like reading how people lived 100 years ago too.
March 17, 2013
Another mystery finds Alafair Tucker. She is fiercely protecting of her family and nothing gets in her way of the job. She doesn't go looking for "strange doin's" they just seem to find her. I love the dialect Donis Casey uses in her books.
April 18, 2008
Awesome book I absolutely loved it and all of the Donis Casey titles
September 2, 2008
a while ago I ran across Donis Casey's "The Old Buzzard Had It Coming" and I've been hooked ever since. funny, quirky, quick read. definitely enjoyable.
April 16, 2009
This book is part of a series about a good family working a ranch during the dust bowl. It was clean and entertaining, a little easy to guess and not the most stimulating literature around.
July 29, 2009
Another engaging story. I enjoy one of the eleven children of Alifair Tucker being the focus of each book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
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