Grainger County Tomatoes

by Nick Allen Brown

A farmer collapses in his tomato fields after suffering a fatal heart attack. Weeks later, the heir to the farm begins to work the land when they soon discover holes are being dug throughout the tomato fields. Broken glass and tire tracks surround each excavation as does the mystery of what the culprits are searching for. Destruction, mystery, and turmoil plague a family in a small town in 1951.

394 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 27, 2022

Reviews

[Paula Hickey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grainger County borders my county, and its tomatoes are well-known in this area! I enjoyed the author’s research and inclusion of the science of tomato production! The number of tomato varieties surprised me.
A suspenseful plot unfolds as Elizabeth Campbell encounters attacks from multiple people who want her to fail. The ferocity of the final attack strikes unexpectedly.
Character development is a strength of Mr. Brown’s novel. Elizabeth Campbell, a heroic protagonist, displays determination to succeed against enormous odds. She approaches each man who helps or hinders her as her equal. Her integrity and candor are refreshing. She is never portrayed as a victim. In addition, Elizabeth’s commitment to pull Irving Washington from systemic poverty to landownership is one example of her inherent goodness.
Filled with adversity, the story has a hopeful message and a satisfying outcome!

[Kyle Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book pulled me in from the start and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I really enjoyed the style of storytelling. One of the quotes on this book says it is "Cinematic" and that does describe the scenes in the book. The story is a bit slow and could have been told at a much faster pace with the same results, but that would have taken away from the dramatic feel of this novel. I will read more of Nick Allen Brown's books and I hope you will too.

[I like what I like · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up
Generally I agree with everything Paula 7/2/23 wrote in her 4 star review. The negative for me is that every hardship - with the exception of sexual assault - affected the main character and was too much drama. And why was the several page inclusion of the Luke character needed? I love this author, though, and will be looking for more books. The Astronaut of Bear Creek is my favorite.

[Kallee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply loved this book. Even the mailman gets a shout-out in a story where every character matters.

[Kim Leber Bayne · Rating 3 out of 5]

enjoyable read, but the ending was a let down

[Jan Perkins · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars
Good enough story that kept me reading. Good, strong character development. Loved all of them. However, I kept waiting for a little excitement. I guess I need to be more in tune with farming and agriculture to fully appreciate this book.