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King Harvest
In the summer of 1975 a group of young men known as “the boys” make their stab for freedom harvesting wild hemp, or marijuana, on the Kansas plains. Several are Vietnam vets, and all are somehow marked, at odds with their time. They see themselves as inheritors of the mythic West, like buffalo hunters in league with their captain, Frankie Sage. As long as they remain unarmed their crime is counted only a misdemeanor.
But a rival gang led by Valentine LaReese is prone to gunplay. The two are fated to clash. Privy to the action is CC Holtz, “King of the county,” who like any king demands tribute.
Early on a double murder on the border of two counties calls out both sheriffs. Their investigation and the free-spirited harvest run parallel till all trails converge, leading to a wry, dramatic climax.
But a rival gang led by Valentine LaReese is prone to gunplay. The two are fated to clash. Privy to the action is CC Holtz, “King of the county,” who like any king demands tribute.
Early on a double murder on the border of two counties calls out both sheriffs. Their investigation and the free-spirited harvest run parallel till all trails converge, leading to a wry, dramatic climax.
422 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 25, 2022
21 people are currently reading
33 people want to read
About the author
Melvin Litton
13 books17 followersMelvin Litton’s latest work, The Kansas Murder Trilogy, presents three novels of shared theme but separate time and character: King Harvest (1); Banks of the River (2); and Skin for Skin (3) – all published by Crossroad Press. He has three previous novels (also from Crossroad): Caspion & the White Buffalo; Geminga; and I Joaquin. His stories and poems have appeared in Chiron Review, Pif, Mobius, Foliate Oak, Floyd County Moonshine, Broadkill Review, and The Literary Hatchet among others. He has two books of poetry: From the Bone (Spartan Press), and Idylls of Being (Stubborn Mule); and a collection of short stories, Son of Eve (Spartan). He is a retired carpenter and lives in Lawrence, Kansas, with his wife Debra and their shepherd Jack. Formerly captain of the Border Band, he now performs as The Gothic Cowboy with Mando Dan: www.borderband.com
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June 14, 2022KING HARVEST evokes a time and place at odds with the spirits of the young men and the women who love them. Readers can look forward to an atmospheric modern day cowboy story.
Read BookTrib's full review.
Read BookTrib's full review.
February 4, 2022
I was excited to read King Harvest: The Kansas Murder Trilogy Book One by Melvin Litton, as very few books are based in Kansas, and even fewer written by actual residents.
The story did not disappoint at all as it follows the fast and dangerous life of Lee and his friends who are desperate to make money selling the wild marijuana, they harvest in the depths of the Kansas prairie. However, a string of mysterious murders leads them all into a deeper type of trouble than they ever imagined possible.
The story is well written with the physical sense of the place coming through. The discussions the characters have about the wind really help to cement the desolate but also magnificent feeling of the plains. I felt that the characters were well developed and believable, making the oftentimes gruesome material easier to handle.
Overall, a great read for lovers of mystery and rural America, King Harvest is a great first installment in what will be certain to be a great trilogy.
The story did not disappoint at all as it follows the fast and dangerous life of Lee and his friends who are desperate to make money selling the wild marijuana, they harvest in the depths of the Kansas prairie. However, a string of mysterious murders leads them all into a deeper type of trouble than they ever imagined possible.
The story is well written with the physical sense of the place coming through. The discussions the characters have about the wind really help to cement the desolate but also magnificent feeling of the plains. I felt that the characters were well developed and believable, making the oftentimes gruesome material easier to handle.
Overall, a great read for lovers of mystery and rural America, King Harvest is a great first installment in what will be certain to be a great trilogy.
December 4, 2021
Melvin Litton sees and vividly depicts the danger that prowls in the seemingly peaceful prairie of north central Kansas in the first of his Kansas Murder Trilogy, King Harvest. Young men, some returned from the Vietnam War, rebel against the traditional future of long, hard hours and low-paying, intermittent jobs. Harvesting hemp for sale to vendors in the East looks to be a fairly safe bet to augment their meager income and encourage planning for a different future. However, there are other players at work and they are very willing to use violence, even murder to protect their interests. And if that isn’t enough to create feelings of anxiety there is a genuinely haunted house to deal with and its deceased denizens do not like visitors. Melvin Litton writes with a voice as hard and true as the Kansas prairie land he came from.
February 2, 2022
Great murder suspense novel
King Harvest is the first book in The Kansas Murder Trilogy series by Melvin Litton. It’s a very original and fun suspense about drugs and murder. I liked that it followed this storyline outside of the typical big city setting, where crimes like these often lie hidden from the general public’s view. Growing up in the country myself, I think it followed well how these crimes would take place out there, and the characters’ personalities were well matched. I liked how tightly knit the main characters were and that we got to see their stories through to the end. Overall, it reads similarly to things like the Sandlot and Without a Paddle— things that seem like they exist in a world all their own despite being completely believable, and nostalgically reflective of an adventure.
King Harvest is the first book in The Kansas Murder Trilogy series by Melvin Litton. It’s a very original and fun suspense about drugs and murder. I liked that it followed this storyline outside of the typical big city setting, where crimes like these often lie hidden from the general public’s view. Growing up in the country myself, I think it followed well how these crimes would take place out there, and the characters’ personalities were well matched. I liked how tightly knit the main characters were and that we got to see their stories through to the end. Overall, it reads similarly to things like the Sandlot and Without a Paddle— things that seem like they exist in a world all their own despite being completely believable, and nostalgically reflective of an adventure.
February 4, 2022
The story is set in the summer of 1975 in rural America, with complex and intriguing characters. Most of the main characters are Vietnam Veterans and are accepting of the drugs that had become so prolific in the previous decade.
This was a time when American Agriculture was entering a lean period and these young men are trying to establish a future for themselves. While what they are doing is clearly illegal, the characters don’t feel it is immoral.
The murder is almost incidental to the actual story, merely complicating decisions “the boys” make by bringing the attention of law enforcement to the areas they are working.
Author Litton has lavish prose with long descriptive sentences rich in detail. Many times it enriches the story, pulling the reader in almost sensuously. Other times, it causes the action to drag.
As an indie author myself, I don’t ding for spelling or grammar, but readers should be warned that there are some editing issues. There were some word choices I found odd, (mother lobe) as well as spelling and punctuation errors. I did not find them overly distracting and still very much enjoyed the story.
This is an enjoyable read that will have me looking at the other two books in the series.
This was a time when American Agriculture was entering a lean period and these young men are trying to establish a future for themselves. While what they are doing is clearly illegal, the characters don’t feel it is immoral.
The murder is almost incidental to the actual story, merely complicating decisions “the boys” make by bringing the attention of law enforcement to the areas they are working.
Author Litton has lavish prose with long descriptive sentences rich in detail. Many times it enriches the story, pulling the reader in almost sensuously. Other times, it causes the action to drag.
As an indie author myself, I don’t ding for spelling or grammar, but readers should be warned that there are some editing issues. There were some word choices I found odd, (mother lobe) as well as spelling and punctuation errors. I did not find them overly distracting and still very much enjoyed the story.
This is an enjoyable read that will have me looking at the other two books in the series.
February 4, 2022
King Harvest (The Kansas Murder Trilogy Book 1) by Melvin Litton is a classic story of domination, power and greed expertly interwoven to demonstrate a different era of time. Summer of 1975 and group of boys messing around growing drugs to become rich but soon their peace is shattered as rivalry emerges. Valentine does not honors the concept of live and to let live. Soon a double murder happens and the sheriffs gets involved. A fast-paced storyline with entertaining characters makes this thriller one of the best entertainers.
I really enjoyed the setting of countryside which transported me to a different place to enjoy this adventure. As the story progressed, everything comes together to match perfectly with the theme of violent criminals, bullying and of mismatched conflicted circumstances. A superb mix of suspense and mystery this book is a definite enjoyable read, a past where these things happened. I highly recommend this book for a remarkable story and a unique climax!
I really enjoyed the setting of countryside which transported me to a different place to enjoy this adventure. As the story progressed, everything comes together to match perfectly with the theme of violent criminals, bullying and of mismatched conflicted circumstances. A superb mix of suspense and mystery this book is a definite enjoyable read, a past where these things happened. I highly recommend this book for a remarkable story and a unique climax!
February 7, 2022
King Harvest is the first book of a series called The Kansas Murder Trilogy written by the author Melvin Litton. The story is set in the fields of the American West and tells the story of a group of young men who after Vietnam decided to improve their future tired of the routine and low-paying jobs. They start to grow and harvest marijuana. Unfortunately, they are not the only ones with this dream. Soon a rival grower gets creative and a double murder is in place. Having the law from two countries on their back at all times, The Boys realize the quiet and simple life they wanted is far away.
A great reading! I enjoyed all the characters and how the group operates as a whole when it comes to decisions. A bit of a suspense story at times, this reading kept me at the edge of my seat wondering what else was about to happen. I like it! Solid read.
A great reading! I enjoyed all the characters and how the group operates as a whole when it comes to decisions. A bit of a suspense story at times, this reading kept me at the edge of my seat wondering what else was about to happen. I like it! Solid read.
February 4, 2022
Let me start by saying that this story has every element I look for in a good book, a solid plot, attention to detail, an amazing and captivating cover that invited me to read it in order to know what is happening, and best of all well-rounded character development.
"King Harvest” is a compelling story that held my interest to the end, despite its slow start. For me, the book was relaxed to get off the ground, and the first half really dragged. But by the second half of the book, it really took off.
The author has a great talent and shows an abundance of well-illustrated scenes that made me feel as if I was right there in the middle of the novel, and that’s something I really appreciate.
To conclude, I recommend this gratifying story.
"King Harvest” is a compelling story that held my interest to the end, despite its slow start. For me, the book was relaxed to get off the ground, and the first half really dragged. But by the second half of the book, it really took off.
The author has a great talent and shows an abundance of well-illustrated scenes that made me feel as if I was right there in the middle of the novel, and that’s something I really appreciate.
To conclude, I recommend this gratifying story.
February 6, 2022
“King Harvest” is a historical thriller set in Kansas in the 70’s. It is also the first book in the “The Kansas Murder Trilogy”. The narration and descriptions of the characters blend well with that time, making a very good setup for the plot.
It is a fast-paced read so the reader has to be alert of everything going on to not lose connection with the story. The novel also touches historical topics of that time adding context and interest to the plot.
Overall, I enjoy the book and how well the author narrated the fight for power between these two groups trying to defend what they think is right.
It is a fast-paced read so the reader has to be alert of everything going on to not lose connection with the story. The novel also touches historical topics of that time adding context and interest to the plot.
Overall, I enjoy the book and how well the author narrated the fight for power between these two groups trying to defend what they think is right.
January 23, 2022
Melvin Litton presents us with a familiar and likable bunch of rowdy young men taking chances, chasing dreams and adventuring through the post Viet Nam days in the hemp fields of Kansas. "The Boys" share the stage with an unsavory cadre of violent criminals bullying through to their own ends, entwined with a pair of lawmen working to solve a double murder.
Litton's King Harvest runs the gamut of calculated misadventure, true innocence, pure evil, unsolved mysteries and dusty ghosts of the past. Great read!
Litton's King Harvest runs the gamut of calculated misadventure, true innocence, pure evil, unsolved mysteries and dusty ghosts of the past. Great read!
November 6, 2021
Melvin Litton superbly executes a complex, rich story centered on a murder in rural Kansas in the '70s. His tale is so much more than simply the hunt for the killer; instead, it's a tapestry of interconnected characters, motives, and passions, all of which converge in a dramatic resolution. Mr. Litton takes care to give depth to all his characters, suspense to all the drama, and delivers in the climax. Much, much more than a murders mystery....a great story. Highly recommended.
August 18, 2022
Read my review at BookTrib here: https://booktrib.com/2022/05/31/when-...
February 8, 2022
King Harvest (The Kansas Murder Trilogy Book 1) by Melvin Litton is an interesting story about worlds colliding out on the plains of the American West. The story highlights three pivotal moments in our nation's life- the fall of Saigon and the loss of faith in the post-war construct, 1975; the brink of the Space Age and Civil Rights era, 1960; and the Great Depression, 1934. Each story has its own characters, and the circumstance is distinct, and all of them depict the fate of common people faced with the grim fact of murder.
The characters are very beautifully portrayed. The narrative moves fairly and does a good job of keeping the reader guessing and interested. The book is a great choice for fans of mysteries and thrillers. The book contains the gamut of calculated misadventure, true innocence, pure evil, unsolved mysteries, and dusty ghosts of the past.
A very interesting read.
The characters are very beautifully portrayed. The narrative moves fairly and does a good job of keeping the reader guessing and interested. The book is a great choice for fans of mysteries and thrillers. The book contains the gamut of calculated misadventure, true innocence, pure evil, unsolved mysteries, and dusty ghosts of the past.
A very interesting read.
February 4, 2022
The countryside and the 70s have that little something that makes me go crazy. I believe this decade has a great deal of mystic. Moreover, I feel the open fields are the perfect place for every mysterious event to take place. Every movie that takes place in this scenario, or during this period back in time, calls my attention. The same happens with novels. I have always been a fan of suspense stories and thrillers, but this book has a special touch that makes it unique. King Harvest by Melvin Litton is a wonderful example of what a mystery novel should be. Not only the characters caught me from the very beginning but also the plot kept me reading page after page. The descriptions and the dialogues are so well written that I felt like a participant in every conversation. This is the first book of The Kansas Murder Trilogy and I can't wait to read the rest.
February 3, 2022
A historical murder novel.
King Harvest is the first book of The Kansas Murder Trilogy written by Melvin Litton. It is a good novel that includes suspense and drama. The story unfolds around a group of men called "the Boys", some of them are Vietnam veterans and all of them are marked in some way. They make their stab for freedom harvesting wild hemp, or marijuana, on the Kansas plains.
One of things that I liked the most was how the story advances and complicates as the plot progresses. Characters are very convincing and fit perfectly with the historical context in which the story is set. I prefer sagas that follow one story, but, even so, I recommend it. This book was really interesting and I think the others two will be too, because each one marks a pivotal moment in the history.
King Harvest is the first book of The Kansas Murder Trilogy written by Melvin Litton. It is a good novel that includes suspense and drama. The story unfolds around a group of men called "the Boys", some of them are Vietnam veterans and all of them are marked in some way. They make their stab for freedom harvesting wild hemp, or marijuana, on the Kansas plains.
One of things that I liked the most was how the story advances and complicates as the plot progresses. Characters are very convincing and fit perfectly with the historical context in which the story is set. I prefer sagas that follow one story, but, even so, I recommend it. This book was really interesting and I think the others two will be too, because each one marks a pivotal moment in the history.
February 8, 2022
greetings from the boys!
It's a story about these young men venturing into the plant business, plant meaning marijuana. It seemed like a man’s fiction that would make you think about wanting to hang out with your friends and maybe start a crazy business. Some of the characters happen to be Vietnam Vets who are adventurous enough to take on drug trafficking and some of the things you have to carry when you deal with illicit drugs. “The Boys” are ambitious young men that feel like they can do anything! I wouldn’t say they were greedy, I think that they wanted something better for their life, as I can relate, but starting a drug empire is not one of them. I enjoyed the plot of this novel, it kept me reading page after page. It is a trilogy so I might read the other 2.
It's a story about these young men venturing into the plant business, plant meaning marijuana. It seemed like a man’s fiction that would make you think about wanting to hang out with your friends and maybe start a crazy business. Some of the characters happen to be Vietnam Vets who are adventurous enough to take on drug trafficking and some of the things you have to carry when you deal with illicit drugs. “The Boys” are ambitious young men that feel like they can do anything! I wouldn’t say they were greedy, I think that they wanted something better for their life, as I can relate, but starting a drug empire is not one of them. I enjoyed the plot of this novel, it kept me reading page after page. It is a trilogy so I might read the other 2.
February 8, 2022
The King Harvest is book number one in The Kansas Murder Trilogy. This great mystery story was written by Melvin Litton, a distinguished author that enjoys writing both stories and songs.
The story is set in the country in the year 1975, and it revolves around organized crime, drugs and murder. This is a story filled with excitement and unexpected twist and turns, that I couldn’t possible see coming.
I love when an author surprises me with this kind of quality in his writing. He has developed characters that are original and his descriptions of the events and places made me feel like I was there with them.
This is for sure, a story that shouldn’t be missed by lovers of excellent writing skills, like me!
The story is set in the country in the year 1975, and it revolves around organized crime, drugs and murder. This is a story filled with excitement and unexpected twist and turns, that I couldn’t possible see coming.
I love when an author surprises me with this kind of quality in his writing. He has developed characters that are original and his descriptions of the events and places made me feel like I was there with them.
This is for sure, a story that shouldn’t be missed by lovers of excellent writing skills, like me!
February 8, 2022
This is the first book in the trilogy The Kansas Murder and it is quite promising. King Harvest is set in the 70s when a group of war veterans starts a business in order to counteract discrimination and a society that tries to leave them outside the comfort and warmth of being part of the community.
They plant and later begin to harvest illegal plants. This profitable business forced them to get involved in a dangerous relationship with different gangs in the area.
I consider this first book a great beginning for this series full of blood, fights and drama. The story is organized in clear chapters which makes the reading easy and interesting. It turned my every day journey to work into a light and short ride. I enjoyed it a lot. I will certainly read the next installments.
They plant and later begin to harvest illegal plants. This profitable business forced them to get involved in a dangerous relationship with different gangs in the area.
I consider this first book a great beginning for this series full of blood, fights and drama. The story is organized in clear chapters which makes the reading easy and interesting. It turned my every day journey to work into a light and short ride. I enjoyed it a lot. I will certainly read the next installments.
February 8, 2022
This first installment of a series is a perfect beginning for a mystery which is way too promising.
Set in rural America, back in 1945, the storyline is extremely interesting and entertaining. All the events have been described in such a way that readers may even feel they are actually back in time. The whole plot is fast-paced and catchy, so much so that I got to its end without even noticing I was reading so fast. This read is definitely an absorbing one that has the ability to make us hold on tight to its plot!
The characters have been developed in an on-point way and each of their life stories has been perfectly interwoven. I recommend it.
Set in rural America, back in 1945, the storyline is extremely interesting and entertaining. All the events have been described in such a way that readers may even feel they are actually back in time. The whole plot is fast-paced and catchy, so much so that I got to its end without even noticing I was reading so fast. This read is definitely an absorbing one that has the ability to make us hold on tight to its plot!
The characters have been developed in an on-point way and each of their life stories has been perfectly interwoven. I recommend it.
February 8, 2022
Not for the underage
“King Harvest” is a fiction written by Melvin Litton, who tells the story of a group of people that started working in the fields of Kansas, growing illegal plants. The story is set in the year 1975, where hippies and drug users were in fashion.
Predictably, the group of ‘farmers’ had some troubles with the law. This is where the story becomes intriguing. I felt my heart pumping fast at some parts while reading.
I did not enjoy the ending so much, but I bet the next book of the series is better.
I give the book three stars and I recommend it to young adults.
“King Harvest” is a fiction written by Melvin Litton, who tells the story of a group of people that started working in the fields of Kansas, growing illegal plants. The story is set in the year 1975, where hippies and drug users were in fashion.
Predictably, the group of ‘farmers’ had some troubles with the law. This is where the story becomes intriguing. I felt my heart pumping fast at some parts while reading.
I did not enjoy the ending so much, but I bet the next book of the series is better.
I give the book three stars and I recommend it to young adults.
August 5, 2025
frustrating
Great writing, poetic at times. Interesting characters, with clear development. Interesting plot, drags a little at times but fascinatingly twisty and cleverly conveyed. BUT… the characters are almost all reprehensible. Bigoted, misogynistic, immoral, and lying to themselves and others. Not much kindness or fairness in them. So, it was hard to read. It was hard to tolerate their behavior.
Great writing, poetic at times. Interesting characters, with clear development. Interesting plot, drags a little at times but fascinatingly twisty and cleverly conveyed. BUT… the characters are almost all reprehensible. Bigoted, misogynistic, immoral, and lying to themselves and others. Not much kindness or fairness in them. So, it was hard to read. It was hard to tolerate their behavior.
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