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Alafair Tucker #4
The Sky Took Him
Alafair Tucker was heading to Oklahoma in the fall of 1915 when her nieces husband disappears. Everyone suspects that a ruthless businessman in town did him in, but Alafair suspects things are not so simple.
Audio Cassette
First published December 2, 2008
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About the author
Donis Casey
13 books90 followersDONIS 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 35 reviews
January 14, 2012
This series just keeps getting better and better. As Alafair and Shaw's children are growing, life is changing drastically for them. Two daughters are married, one grandchild has arrived and a third daughter is engaged.
In the midst of all this Alafair, along with oldest child Martha and youngest Grace, travel to Enid, Oklahoma to visit with Alafair's sister Ruth Ann and to help her while she is dealing with the coming death of her husband Lester. Ruth Ann's daughter, Olivia, and grandson Ron are also in and out of the house but Olivia's husband Kenneth is mysteriously absent.
The settings for these books is a time period not covered by a lot of fiction, it is 1915, Oklahoma has only been a state for a few years and as the new century develops life and lifestyles are rapidly changing. Alafair's children are getting jobs and education that was often absent from farming family lives when she was young. Her older daughters also have jobs outside the home which was almost unheard of in the last century.
There is some great history here, the speeches of Eugene Debbs, the books of Mark Twain, and the lives of those who worked the dangerous oil fields. All are woven almost seamlessly into the narrative of the story.
I can't wait to read the next in the series.
In the midst of all this Alafair, along with oldest child Martha and youngest Grace, travel to Enid, Oklahoma to visit with Alafair's sister Ruth Ann and to help her while she is dealing with the coming death of her husband Lester. Ruth Ann's daughter, Olivia, and grandson Ron are also in and out of the house but Olivia's husband Kenneth is mysteriously absent.
The settings for these books is a time period not covered by a lot of fiction, it is 1915, Oklahoma has only been a state for a few years and as the new century develops life and lifestyles are rapidly changing. Alafair's children are getting jobs and education that was often absent from farming family lives when she was young. Her older daughters also have jobs outside the home which was almost unheard of in the last century.
There is some great history here, the speeches of Eugene Debbs, the books of Mark Twain, and the lives of those who worked the dangerous oil fields. All are woven almost seamlessly into the narrative of the story.
I can't wait to read the next in the series.
March 4, 2013
This is an interesting historical mystery series. This book takes our main character to the "large" town of Enid, OK in 1915. She goes there to support her sister as her husband is dying. Of course, there are many mysteries and Alafair, assists in sorting out the causes and punishing the baddies. A "Good Read"!
October 27, 2019
This is the fourth book in the Alafair Tucker series, and I have enjoyed all of them up to now. For some reason I put this series on the back of my pile, and haven't gotten back to it for far too long. In this book Alafair and her oldest daughter Martha and her youngest daughter Grace are on a train at the beginning of the book. They are going to visit Alafair's sister Ruth Ann in Enid, Oklahoma in the fall of 1915. Ruth Ann's husband Lester is on his deathbed and Alafair is going to help her and to support her through her through this difficult time. As soon as they arrive, things seem to be uneasy and unsettled. For example, where is Ruth Ann's son-in-law and why is he staying away so long? Why does Lester seem to have something on his mind that he wants to share with Alafair? And Ruth-Ann's housekeeper/cook/nursemaid Lu seems to have a deep secret that she doesn't want to share. So while the family waits for Lester's passing, Alafair has time to pursue a little investigation on her own. With Martha's help, they set out to find out what happened to Olivia's husband (Olivia is Ruth-Ann and Lester's daughter). And on the way they discover family and the town of Enid secrets as long as your arm. These books are so very enjoyable because they are unabashedly set deliciously in early 20 century America. Donis Casey captures the sights, sounds, food, and lifestyles of that era. And all of her characters are so real and folksy that it's like you're there sitting in their parlor drinking tea with them. And as if that's not enough, we have Ike the cat who seems to think he's human. Ike is Ruth Ann's cat, and he doesn't miss a trick and even helps Alifair on her search for the truth. These books are so much fun, I highly recommend this series to lovers of folksy, cozy mysteries.
May 19, 2012
The Sky Took Him by Donis Casey is an "Alafair Tucker" mystery. I had not read any of the other titles of the series, which include The Old Buzzard Had It Coming, Hornswoggled, and The Drop Edge of Yonder. In the latest of the series, Alafair Tucker travels to Enid, Oklahoma from her home in tiny Boynton in the fall of 1915 to help her sister, Ruth Ann, whose husband is on his death bed. Alafair is a practical, hardworking mother of several children, and her life contrasts with that of Ruth Ann, who lives a life of privilege and enjoys the social and political scene in the Cherokee Strip. The difficulty of watching her sister's husband die is magnified when Ruth Ann's son-in-law doesn't return home as scheduled. Lester's disappearance sets the stage for public disclosure of questionable dealings involving one of the most powerful and dangerous men in Enid and Alafair allows her natural curiosity and sleuthing abilities to uncover the source of a history of trouble for her sister's family. I particularly enjoyed getting to know Alafair and her family in The Sky Took Him (there is even a family tree included at the beginning of the book), as well as references to Oklahoma history. There are also some authentic recipes for some of the food mentioned in the book, including Alafair's chocolate pie/pudding (described as "potent" and "for extreme chocolate lovers only").
October 28, 2012
I really enjoy the "Alafair Tucker" mystery series. Set in Oklahoma at the beginning of the 20th century. Main character is a farm wife, mother of 11. Very interesting to read about a place and time that I know nothing about.
I recommended this series to a 92 year old library customer who is originally from Oklahoma and she tore through the series!
I recommended this series to a 92 year old library customer who is originally from Oklahoma and she tore through the series!
March 24, 2018
This book kept a good pace and I enjoyed the twists and turns of the plot.
March 10, 2014
fun mystery.
April 15, 2023
The Sky Took Him by Donis Casey is the 4th book of the Alafair Tucker mystery series set in 1915 Oklahoma. Alafair travels with her oldest and youngest daughters, Mary and Grace, on a sad mission: to comfort her sister Ruth Ann on her husband Lester's imminent death. Ruth Ann's son-in-law Kenneth is off on a somewhat mysterious business trip - or so the family assumes. But as the days pass without word from Kenneth, Alafair suspects he may be the victim of foul play. Her instincts are right on target.
It's easy to blame the town's notorious villain - but is it true? Alafair digs deep, learns much about the past. Lester confides details to only to Alafair. She travels to investigate an oil drilling venture of Kenneth's - sleuthing with deadly consequences. The layers of mystery gradually unfold as Alafair's visit extends longer than expected. Mary's boyfriend joins in the search for the entire truth, ready and willing to serve, no matter if Mary rebuffs him at first. Each ends up pleasantly surprised by the other's flexibility in plans for the future.
A pleasant distraction/stress relief for everyone is the town's festival celebrating its founding, the historic land run on the Cherokee Strip. We learn a 'Sooner' is someone who cheated, claimed his plot of land before the official start of the land run. Daily life is vividly depicted, including recipes for the lavish meals they consume. Alafair can't help but notice the many contrasts between Ruth Ann's large, luxurious mansion vs. Alafair's tiny farmhouse; yet still prefers her own home, brimming with love.
It's easy to blame the town's notorious villain - but is it true? Alafair digs deep, learns much about the past. Lester confides details to only to Alafair. She travels to investigate an oil drilling venture of Kenneth's - sleuthing with deadly consequences. The layers of mystery gradually unfold as Alafair's visit extends longer than expected. Mary's boyfriend joins in the search for the entire truth, ready and willing to serve, no matter if Mary rebuffs him at first. Each ends up pleasantly surprised by the other's flexibility in plans for the future.
A pleasant distraction/stress relief for everyone is the town's festival celebrating its founding, the historic land run on the Cherokee Strip. We learn a 'Sooner' is someone who cheated, claimed his plot of land before the official start of the land run. Daily life is vividly depicted, including recipes for the lavish meals they consume. Alafair can't help but notice the many contrasts between Ruth Ann's large, luxurious mansion vs. Alafair's tiny farmhouse; yet still prefers her own home, brimming with love.
June 15, 2019
This series is really good. I didn’t enjoy this one as much as the others because it was written in a diary format, and the days seemed to stretch on and on. There were lots of twists like any good mystery, and the end of the main story was unexpected. Just wish it had a different format. On to the next one. I feel like when I’m done with the series, I’ll miss reading about this fictional family.
January 22, 2025
This is the fourth one of the series and I think they just keep getting better and better. I was particularly taken with this one since my family is from the area of Oklahoma where this takes place.
There’s an interesting interplay between Alafair and her daughter Martha. And as usual, all of the characters are very well drawn.
I’m gonna be starting the fifth book tonight. I wish these were more widely known.
There’s an interesting interplay between Alafair and her daughter Martha. And as usual, all of the characters are very well drawn.
I’m gonna be starting the fifth book tonight. I wish these were more widely known.
April 8, 2018
I've been listening to the audio versions of the Alafair Tucker series and highly recommend them. The stories are interesting and so are the historical details. Pam Ward has narrated all of the books I've listened to so far and she does an excellent job!
March 14, 2021
I really like this series, and this is the best one yet. Alafair travels to Oklahoma to help her sister, whose husband is dying, but finds a death that is not expected. The mystery was well-done and complete, with a great ending. Meanwhile, oldest daughter Martha has some big decisions to make: career or love? Pam Ward does her usual brilliant narration, and the time-period (1915) adds suspense and interest.
April 20, 2019
This was a tear-jerker in so many respects. So good, though.
April 16, 2018
4th I’ve read in the series and will certainly continue. Enjoying the historical aspect.
May 9, 2012
First Line: The train out of Muskogee was very nearly empty.
Alafair Tucker is going to Enid, Oklahoma, accompanied by her oldest and youngest daughters, Martha and Grace. Lester, the husband of Alafair's sister, Ruth Ann, is dying, and the family is gathering. When they arrive, Alafair learns that her niece Olivia's husband Kenneth has chosen a very inconvenient-- and thoughtless-- time to go on an extended business trip. When he doesn't return on the scheduled date, Alafair has a hunch that all is not well.
The hunch is proved correct: Kenneth is found dead. Everyone is convinced that the most ruthless businessman in Enid-- Buck Collins-- is responsible. So convinced in fact that the investigation begins and ends with him. But Alafair doubts that things could be as simple as that.
Once again, Donis Casey takes us back to Oklahoma in the 1910s, and with a family like the Tuckers, I always savor my visits. (Probably because the Tuckers remind me so much of stories I've heard of my own grandparents and great-grandparents.) Casey gives the reader a true feeling-- without going overboard-- of what life was like during that era. Although I loved the glimpses into a company dealing with early refrigeration units, Enid's Cherokee Strip celebration, and the work involved in drilling for oil, it's her characters, their behavior and their relationships from which I derive the most enjoyment in this series.
The Sky Took Him is no exception. We get to know Martha's beau, Streeter McCoy, but the stars among the new characters are Lu, a tiny Chinese lady, an oil man named Pee Wee Nickolls and his dog, Muddy. They stole every scene in which they appeared.
As each of Alafair's ten children grows to adulthood, Alafair has to get used to seeing them as grown-ups with adult feelings and reactions. I found this process with her oldest daughter, Martha, to be the most touching one so far. One scene toward the end of the book illustrates one of the strengths I find most compelling in Donis Casey's books. Martha has just been in a room with three generations of women in her family. After going upstairs, she happens to look in a mirror to check her hair:
The same face she had just seen on the women downstairs was staring back at her.
"It's like we're all the same woman," she said aloud. Suddenly, she was struck with the idea that she was standing at the very end of a long, unbroken line of women that went all the way back to Eve, all with one great soul, moving forward through time.
Yes, these books are excellent, with their tried-and-true recipes of the era, their depiction of a forgotten time, and their absorbing mysteries that Alafair insists on solving. But they're also for all of us who've ever looked into a mirror and seen a resemblance to a long line of men and women going all the way back to the dawn of time. We've asked the same questions for millenia: Who? What? When? Where? Why? and I love how Alafair Tucker answers them.
Alafair Tucker is going to Enid, Oklahoma, accompanied by her oldest and youngest daughters, Martha and Grace. Lester, the husband of Alafair's sister, Ruth Ann, is dying, and the family is gathering. When they arrive, Alafair learns that her niece Olivia's husband Kenneth has chosen a very inconvenient-- and thoughtless-- time to go on an extended business trip. When he doesn't return on the scheduled date, Alafair has a hunch that all is not well.
The hunch is proved correct: Kenneth is found dead. Everyone is convinced that the most ruthless businessman in Enid-- Buck Collins-- is responsible. So convinced in fact that the investigation begins and ends with him. But Alafair doubts that things could be as simple as that.
Once again, Donis Casey takes us back to Oklahoma in the 1910s, and with a family like the Tuckers, I always savor my visits. (Probably because the Tuckers remind me so much of stories I've heard of my own grandparents and great-grandparents.) Casey gives the reader a true feeling-- without going overboard-- of what life was like during that era. Although I loved the glimpses into a company dealing with early refrigeration units, Enid's Cherokee Strip celebration, and the work involved in drilling for oil, it's her characters, their behavior and their relationships from which I derive the most enjoyment in this series.
The Sky Took Him is no exception. We get to know Martha's beau, Streeter McCoy, but the stars among the new characters are Lu, a tiny Chinese lady, an oil man named Pee Wee Nickolls and his dog, Muddy. They stole every scene in which they appeared.
As each of Alafair's ten children grows to adulthood, Alafair has to get used to seeing them as grown-ups with adult feelings and reactions. I found this process with her oldest daughter, Martha, to be the most touching one so far. One scene toward the end of the book illustrates one of the strengths I find most compelling in Donis Casey's books. Martha has just been in a room with three generations of women in her family. After going upstairs, she happens to look in a mirror to check her hair:
The same face she had just seen on the women downstairs was staring back at her.
"It's like we're all the same woman," she said aloud. Suddenly, she was struck with the idea that she was standing at the very end of a long, unbroken line of women that went all the way back to Eve, all with one great soul, moving forward through time.
Yes, these books are excellent, with their tried-and-true recipes of the era, their depiction of a forgotten time, and their absorbing mysteries that Alafair insists on solving. But they're also for all of us who've ever looked into a mirror and seen a resemblance to a long line of men and women going all the way back to the dawn of time. We've asked the same questions for millenia: Who? What? When? Where? Why? and I love how Alafair Tucker answers them.
November 9, 2008
Alafair Tucker leaves most of her family behind to fend for themselves when she travels to Enid, Oklahoma at the request of her sister Ruth Ann Yeager. Ruth Ann’s husband Lester is dying. Alafair’s oldest daughter Martha travels with her mother and the baby Grace.
It is an exciting time in Enid. The Founder’s Day Jubilee is ready to get underway. It is a sad time at the Yeager residence but Ruth Ann insists that Martha, Alafair and Grace take some time out to enjoy the festivities.
There is more going on in Enid than the celebration and Lester’s illness. Lester and Ruth Ann’s son-in-law has left on a trip and hasn’t returned. Olivia, Lester and Ruth Ann’s daughter confide in Martha that her husband Kenneth has a wild side. Alafair’s conversations with Lester confirm that Lester doesn’t fully trust Kenneth dealing with the business Lester will be leaving behind.
Alafair does not leave her detecting skills at home. There are several mysteries in Enid for her to solve and surprisingly enough little Grace lends a hand. Martha and Alafair go home with a better understanding of each other.
The Sky Took Him touches on mystery, history, family relationships and some really great sounding meals. This is the 4th Alafair Tucker mystery and the best so far.
It is an exciting time in Enid. The Founder’s Day Jubilee is ready to get underway. It is a sad time at the Yeager residence but Ruth Ann insists that Martha, Alafair and Grace take some time out to enjoy the festivities.
There is more going on in Enid than the celebration and Lester’s illness. Lester and Ruth Ann’s son-in-law has left on a trip and hasn’t returned. Olivia, Lester and Ruth Ann’s daughter confide in Martha that her husband Kenneth has a wild side. Alafair’s conversations with Lester confirm that Lester doesn’t fully trust Kenneth dealing with the business Lester will be leaving behind.
Alafair does not leave her detecting skills at home. There are several mysteries in Enid for her to solve and surprisingly enough little Grace lends a hand. Martha and Alafair go home with a better understanding of each other.
The Sky Took Him touches on mystery, history, family relationships and some really great sounding meals. This is the 4th Alafair Tucker mystery and the best so far.
July 11, 2012
Donis Casey takes us back nearly 100 years to an era before The Great War, to a time and place without computers and cell phones, where even hot and cold running water is not available for everyone. In this tale, Alafair and two of her daughters travel to Enid, Oklahoma to be with her sister to offer emotional support to her and her dying husband. But during the visit, an unexpected death occurs, and Alafair’s natural curiosity and moral fiber drives her to uncover the truth. Much of the appeal of this story lies in the author’s believable and likable characters as well as the setting. The mystery, while intriguing, almost takes a back seat to the unfolding tale about the people and their lives. This audio version was well rendered by Pam Ward and only adds to the charm of this southern tale.
January 16, 2009
Farm wife Alafair Tucker and two of her daughters head off to bustling Enid, OK to help Alafair's sister, whose husband is dying. But Ruth Ann has more than one problem. Her young son-in-law has not returned from his business trip, and apparently he owes money to a crooked businessman in town. Alafair has a premonition that he's dead, and when she finds his body things get even worse. The crooked businessman is immediately suspected, especially when there's a contrived oil-field disaster at a drilling the dead man co-owned. Alafair, however, has never trusted easy solutions. This charming historical series--the current volume is set in 1915--should be on top of everyone's list.
June 17, 2014
I've heard this author speak a couple of times and am always impressed. I finally got this book and I'm so glad. I started to get a different one but while we were talking she mentioned this one is set in Enid, Oklahoma in 1915. I had family there then. I love reading about places and times that correspond to my family. Throwing in fantastic characters, a great plot and some mystery make this a great book. I'm anxious to go back and start the series at the beginning and work my way through.
Casey really gets into the characters heads and the times and brings them to life. I didn't feel lost reading the fourth in the series but if you are just starting why not start at the beginning?
Casey really gets into the characters heads and the times and brings them to life. I didn't feel lost reading the fourth in the series but if you are just starting why not start at the beginning?
August 7, 2011
Book 4 of the Alafair Tucker series. Alafair goes out of town to give some comfort her sister who's husband is dying. While there her sister's daughter's husband is found dead. Alafair is on the hunt again, to find a killer. Alafair brought her oldest and youngest daughters with her. The married daughters and Alafair's husband and sons stayed on the farm because it is harvesting time. The year is 1915. I really liked this series. A 5th book has been published this year and I have it on my list to read as soon as I can get it from the library.
December 10, 2013
This is an historical mystery that was so slow going I almost gave up. It has a nice cast of characters and the historical details are a plus. I enjoyed the plot too, especially the killer. So why did it take me months to finish? I felt uncomfortable with the characters, having not read any of the previous books, and the time and place being so very foreign to me. There is no swearing or violence in it. I will pass it on to my Mother and see what rating she gives it. I will try another in the series if one crosses my path.
December 4, 2016
The Sky Took Him was typical of all Alafair Tucker mystery books: vivid depictions of the time period including settings, characters, daily life, customs and actual recipes. This book included some additional historical facts in the afterward regarding the Cherokee strip, the Oklahoma land run, and prominent figures in Enid Oklahoma at that time. The mystery is a little weak but enjoyable all the same.
March 14, 2013
Started this book this afternoon and decided it was a good day to finish too. I really enjoyed the first book of the series, and liked this one as much. The in-betweens were ok. The historical information was very interesting and I will be looking into the Oklahoma land rushes a bit more. I have come to love the Tucker family, they are folks I could call family.
September 7, 2013
This is another wonderful book in the life of the Tucker family. Although I enjoy the mysteries and the history of Oklahoma, in my opinion, Donis Casey does a wonderful job of describing family relationships. In this book, the relationship of Martha and Alafair is exquisite in its description. If you happen to be a "first-born" daughter, I'm sure you can relate.
May 14, 2009
I liked how this one moves to a new location and introduces the history of the land rush in Oklahoma. The concept of a Sooner was very nicely worked in to explain why a town leader is considered a villain.
May 16, 2009
Part of a mystery series. Set in Oklahoma at the turn of the 20th century. Alafair Tucker is the sensible, hardworking mother of ten who also solves mysteries and her children's problems. Very nice sense of place.
July 29, 2009
I missed the interaction of the whole family in this fourth book in this series and got a little bogged down in history of the oil industry in Oklahoma. As always though, protagonist Alifair Tucker is engaging and I couldn't guess "who done it". I've read the whole series and will continue.
August 4, 2009
I liked this in spite of myself. The characters and the historical setting (Oklahoma in 1915) felt authentic and the plot was engaging. It's a murder mystery, not a piece of great literature--but I'll look in the library for more from her.
April 12, 2009
Maybe it was just the settingof 1915, but I really thought this moved slowly.. better luck next time.
December 9, 2010
It moved a little slower than her others, but still very fun. She keeps you wondering the whole time.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews