Field of Dead Horses

by Nick Allen Brown

Small Town...Big Secret... Georgetown, Kentucky, 1939…soon after dawn on a February morning, Elliott Chapel discovers an unconscious, bloodied, young woman lying face up in the cold waters of Penny Creek. Days later, awakening from her hypothermic coma, Ellie Evans finds herself on the Chapel Farm. Once she explains her plight as the abused wife of a powerful man, Elliott offers her and her son a place to stay and vows to keep them from harm. For both Ellie and Elliott, life under the same roof is a challenge—with the cantankerous Paul Chapel, Elliott’s father who spends his retirement days drinking whiskey with his aging coonhound by his side. Elliott has taken over the daily operations of the horse farm with his assistant, Booley. Unusual for the time—when blacks were subservient to whites—Booley manages a small staff and helps Elliott attempt the impossible with the newly-acquired horse of a high-profile client. Ellie pitches in and helps out when she can and helps change the mood of the busy farm with her sweet charm and culinary skills, even getting on the good side of the bad-tempered Paul Chapel. Just when daily life settles into an enjoyable rhythm, a violent struggle erupts when the malicious Mayor Evans descends on the farm with the county sheriff and two deputies. Armed with shotguns, they remove Ellie and her son from the farm, against her will. Narrated by Elliott five decades later, he recalls the incident on the Chapel Farm and subsequent events which ultimately reveal the long-kept secret...hidden in a small town since 1939.

Genres: Fiction, Book Club

334 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2012

Reviews

[Cathy]

I know this book was popular a few years ago, but I was too busy reading other books that I wasn't able to read it until now. I read it in one sitting, so needless to say I really liked it.
Earlier this year I picked it up at a local used book store, while the cover was a tiny bit worn, it'd never been read. It's autographed to "Kirk, so glad you enjoyed the book" " and has a label inside " One Book, One community, Shelby County (I'll assume Ohio) Public Library 20015.

[Nancy Sweeten]

I am not a horse person, but I really enjoyed this book. It gave me a glimpse into the Kentucky horse racing business. It is a well-crafted story, and the characters felt so real to me. There are a couple of surprises that make a good ending. I now know the meaning of a field of dead horses.

[Leona Morelock]

Field of Dead Horses is a great easy read that keeps your attention throughout with a great story line. With a great ending I would recommend this book to anyone.

[Barbara]

I liked it, I could visualize the farm and the people good descriptions. Learned a little about training horses. I enjoyed the characters in the story and would even visit Georgetown Kentucky.

[Lizzie Keuler]

My parents booked this book up for me while on vacation, and while I was originally skeptical, I really loved the book. The novel has an intriguing plot, and likable characters. As a horse person, I appreciated the knowledge of the author in regards to equine matters. Not everyone gets it right, but you can tell that Nick Allen Brown either grew up around horses or did his research really well. I usually pass along books to other people to read, but this is one that I will selfishly be keeping since it's autographed.

[Barbara]

Such a great read! I’m not a horse racing person, but growing up in KY made this novel spark my interest. I kept thinking all along that the author should have chosen a different title for this book, but after finishing it, I agree with his choice. You’ll have to read the book yourself to find out the significance!

[Bonnie]

While there could have been additional character development, I did enjoy the sweetness of the storyline. The details about house training and horse racing were not overly tedious and added to the story.

[Judy]

This was a fairly quick read and I enjoyed it. The details of training race horses was very interesting. The ending didn't surprise me. I suspected who the guilty party was.

[Julie]

another must read by Nick Allen Brown.. Can't wait for his next book.

[Michelle Jenkins]

Enjoyed the book once I got past all the details. Some like details but I like the meat of the story which came and conquered. Great characters, storyline and ending.

[Valerie Bailey]

I love the references to the local area and its history. Good read for Kentuckians.

[Karen McCawley]

Five Stars are few and far between for me ...loved everything about this book !

[Pam Papworth]

An intriguing story set in 1939 in Kentucky thoroughbred country, featuring memorable characters.

[Jean Ruddy]

This book was awesome. Once I got started, it was hard to put down and I couldn't wait to get to the next chapter. It was a real life story with wonderful characters and some sad and heart breaking situations. It's not often that I tell my husband the details of a book I'm reading but with this one I did and at the same time, I was enjoying the story a second time.

I met Nick Brown at a book signing and I asked him questions about the book. It sounded good then and he did not disappoint. I can't believe this is his first book and I am anticipating many more.

[Jenny]

I bought this book at Barnes and Noble as part of my book club. I wasn't too intrigued by the title but when I finished it, I found myself looking at what the other books the author wrote. I found out that this is the authors first and I couldn't believe it. This is more like a 10th or 15th book. The book club I am a part of loved this book and I mean everyone. Wish they could all be like this. Most of the time we read sappy romance books or strange thrillers. This one took us all by surprise.

[Bphillips]

Saw book display at Costco and approached. There was Nick Brown, it was a book signing. Surprise! Very nice man and interesting to talk to. Said he would discuss book with book clubs via skype. Not in a book club, but liked his attitude, so bought the book. My mother-in-law, husband and I all read the book and throughly enjoyed it. He has another coming out soon (I believe). I will look for it.

[Mimi]

Our book club selection month and we loved the book! There is a strong development of characters set in the 1930's era involving a love story and the horse racing culture. A must read! Nick Allen Brown was kind enough to call and discuss the book with us during our meeting. Can't wait for his next book.

[Debbie]

Really nice book. A little too predictable but I enjoyed the setting (Kentucky), loved the horses and the action at Keeneland. The "secret" is WAY too easy to figure out - like you figure it out pretty much at the beginning of the book. Nice try though. If you enjoy a simpler time and place this is a very pleasant read.

[Tammy Adams]

I enjoyed this book tremendously! The author has the gift of allowing you to see the the characters, smell and taste the home cooked meals and hear the horses go around the track. I felt like I was watching the movie in my head and typecasting actors for each role! Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Gosling are my front runners! I look forward to reading more books from this author!

[Jennifer Finch]

As a Kentuckian and avid horse lover, this book caught my eye during one of Nick's recent signings. I knew I would love it from the synopsis on the back cover and I was right! I would definitely recommend this book if you like a story with a "twist"! Great job, Nick! I will definitely be looking for more of your work.

[Miki]

Liked this book - didn't love it. Liked the Kentucky setting and thought it was interesting to read about the training of race horses and how trainers are chosen. I thought the mystery of the story could have been developed more. I was surprised at the ending.

[Diane Hicks]

I loved this book. It held my attention from the beginning to the end. It is not like any of the books I normally read but am so glad I met the author and he talked me into buying his book! He promised me that I would not be disappointed and he was right!

[Barbara Cook]

Again, I wish they gave us half stars. I'd go 4.5!
Great book. The character development was very good. I Loved the horses and the families love and training of these Kentucky race horses. Well done! I'll read this author again!!

[KYBkRdr]

It is a great read and perfect for entertainment while on vacation or just to pass the time. This book is from a first time author, but you'd never know it. He crafts his story so well it keeps you turning page after page. I'd recommend this to anyone; I loved it!

[Cari]

I've read a lot of mysteries, and this one surprised me. I liked the story being told against the backdrop of a racing barn. It combined two of my hobbies, horses and mysteries.

[Rick Abbott]

Absolutely wonderful. A little out of the genre of my typical reads, but this was awesome. Wish it was part of a series so that I could read more.

[Jessica Seibert]

Outstanding debut book - a mystery with depth and poignancy. Highly recommend it!

[Anita]

Good story. It read like an old Western, in a good way. It would be good for young readers because it has no inappropriate content.

[Leslie8181]

Loved it! Wonderful Kentucky fiction!

[Polly]

What a fantastic book. I really enjoyed the story, the writing, everything about it