The Growing Season

by David Hallman

A young lady’s disappearance reveals a decade-old ploy that threatens to shake the very foundations of a small Southern town. Hank Monroe is an ex–Army Ranger, fresh out of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s New Agents Class, and his education is just beginning. An outsider to the inner workings and traditions of the deep South, Hank gets more than he bargained for in his first season on the job. Aided by a mysterious, angelic caller, Hank is inspired to delve into the underbelly of deceit and corruption that swirls ominously below the surface of a close-knit community. He seeks the truth that lies hidden behind the façade and pretense of the town’s elite, the truth some will do anything to hide. Hank Monroe will soon learn, in his first growing season as an agent, that all is not what it seems to be—in crime and in love—and that when it comes to murder, there are no winners.

314 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2010

Reviews

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love a good murder mystery, and this book did not disappoint. I figured out the what and why of Lydia's death 1/2 way through - I read a LOT of murder mysteries! But the WHO blew me away! Enjoyed all the 1980's references - "called my pager". As a life-long southerner, Mr. Hallman's depiction of Georgia small town politics and pecking order was spot on! A true pleasure of a read...now, who is Celeste? I have my theories...

[Jenia Rand · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book has a somewhat slow start, but becomes a real page-turner as you get into it. There are some quite unexpected twists and I LOVED how the reader was left with a puzzle to solve.
The depiction of a Southern town and it's attitude to the newcomers is spot-on!
Also, I actually know the author. I hope to get the next book as soon as it's ready!

[Ronnie Scandrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adored this book! It kept me on my toes. I didn't care to start to read it (only because it was assigned to us at school and we know how that goes) but I am so glad I did. Then...only like a couple semesters later Mr. Hallman became my teacher! Amazing book. Great read if you're into mystery.

[Shon Rand · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is a wonderfully twisty plot that leaves the reader to put a few pieces together at the end. The book's only weakness is due to poor proof reading somewhere along the line. Maybe the publisher should have hired a better editor? Anyway, Hallman's book is well worth a read.