United Veterans

This was an absorbing mystery that captured the political winds blowing in the 1980's that gave us what we have here in America today. Done in a very entertaining way through the recollections of Russell Ray Teague, who walks a very fine line between legal and shady when he attempts to solve a murder. Just some of the scenarios in this story: Big box stores wiping out small town business firms, the farm depression, mountaintop removal mining, water pollution, media takeovers, and women in journalism. I found the murder mystery fascinating as well. Overall, a great read.

I found this a memorable mystery story and the plot really pulls you in. It is a slow burn with a big twist and a surprise at the end. Loved the depiction of the South in the mid 1970's. Would have liked to hear more from the main character, an 18 year old college student whose observations about life are quite entertaining. The Korean girl was a great character and the sheriff who danced along the line between illegal and legal was really well described too. My only complaint, is I felt like maybe it ended too soon. I really wanted to learn more about some of the fascinating characters, especially the Vietnamese girls. I would recommend this book highly to any who enjoy historical fiction with a mystery twist.