The Mulligans of Mt. Jefferson

by Don Reid

Cal, Harlan, and Buddy grow up together in a small Virginia town in the years before the second World War. United by age, proximity, and temperament, they get into—and out of—all the trouble that boys manage to find. They even earn a nickname from a local restaurateur who gives the boys their first jobs and plenty of friendly advice. “Uncle” Vic calls them the Mulligans, because they always seem to find a way through a thicket of trouble—family problems, girls, college, war—to success. Cal and Harlan and Buddy have been blessed with second chances.

            Now it’s 1959, and police lieutenant Buddy receives an early-morning phone call: his friend Harlan, a store owner, has been shot in a break-in. Cal, now a preacher, meets Buddy at the hospital, and together, as professionals and as friends, they begin to unravel what might have happened to Harlan.

Genres: Mystery, Christian Fiction, Fiction, Novels

336 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2012

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Don Reid, a member of the legendary Statler Brothers, has three Grammy awards, thirteen gold albums, and eight platinum albums. An award-winning songwriter, Reid is also the author of several books, including One Lane Bridge and O Little Town. He and his wife, Deborah, live in Staunton, Virginia.

Reviews

[Patricia Kirk · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mulligan means “do over” and it is the name of a Mt. Jefferson Restaurant.

Harlan, Buddy, and Cal grew up as best friends—none of them named Mulligan. This story tells of their growing-up years in the thirties to fifties. The adult story takes place in 1959. It starts as Harlan lies in the hospital suffering from a gunshot wound from an early-morning intruder.

As children, Cal kept them all in trouble. Harlan was the charmer and girl magnet. Buddy fell in love with his future wife as she practiced the piano in their home. The early years echo Mayberry, RFD, but, in manhood, each man must face his sins and suffer the consequences of them. In one case, he suffers for another’s sin as his business falters.

As men, Harlan runs a jewelry store, Buddy joins the police force, and Cal becomes a Methodist minister. He never tells us what happened to change him, keeping it as a mysterious secret. All three manage parental businesses as young men. Later, as a police officer, Buddy must be tough as he tries to get the truth from the reticent Harlan and his wife Darcy. Cal tries to comfort them all. Will their friendship survive this difficult period?

The reader will find the characters likeable and the ending satisfyingly unexpected. The writing carries you along in a readable sequence. However, the long descriptions of their growing-up years slow the story. Perhaps they would fit better coming gradually throughout the mystery. At times, I forgot that Harlan lingered in a hospital.

I received this book from NetGalley. This is an honest review.

[Dani Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

The town of Mt. Jefferson was a sleepy town in the 30' and 40's. Three boys grew up together and their lives were permanently connected. One a jeweler, one a Cop and one a Pastor. They married, went to war and each came home changed by life. A story of friendship, flawed humanity, and the truth. A fun read, I enjoyed following all the twists and turns on the way to a surprising conclusion.
I was lucky enough to read an advance reader e-book copy. This is a town I want to hear more about!

[Sharon Huether · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Mulligans of Mt Jefferson By Don Reid I won this book through Goodreads. This book was mostly reflections and remminisants of the three boys growin up in Mt Jefferson and what became of them after reaching manhood. The instigator of pranks became a minister, one a policeman and the other inherited his familys business. In this small town there had been a home invasion shooting; which the police were trying to solve thoughtout the intire story.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like the way Don writes with all of the flashbacks. I love stories set in small towns. Great story.

[Lee Button · Rating 4 out of 5]

Statler Brothers Don Reid has written a fine novel. I know his characters like I grew up with them. In fact the book does just that. Good story-line, well-told and truly possible.

[Dianne McMahan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Novel About Life in A Small Town !
This is a great novel about three boys who became best friends in grade school and hung in there,through Jr.High,High School & WWII.
All married,had families & with the ups & downs of life,there were treasureable memories galore & losses as well.
Many things happened along with the yrs.
Again,a wonderful read with Excellent characters.
You'll love this,story,not only is "Don Reid" a wonderful singer,he is a excellent author as well.

[Jan Elsasser · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good with the not quite as good.

It was a good read and out moves along. I really liked the chapter length. If you are looking for a riveting keep you on the edge of your seat this is not it. I liked the way simple faith was worked into the story, a story about how life evolves and not someone trying to malign the Word of God.

[Shannyn GeurinBurdess · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was the first book I had read by Don Reid. Ever the Statler Bros fan I wasn’t sure what to expect. I very much enjoyed reading about The Mulligans. That said, I do wish it had been a bit longer. It left me curious about Uncle Vic supposedly never having a child and what happened after the details came to light. (I’ll refrain from more so I don’t spoil it for anyone.)

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really just wanted to read this book because it was by one of The Statler Brothers. I thought the book was ok for his first book. The chapters alternated from present to past and I found the present more interesting. I don’t know what to think about the ending

[Susie James · Rating 3 out of 5]

Don Reid's good ole buddy whodunit and how and why is pretty well written and thought out in "The Mulligans of Mt. Jefferson". Much involved is the lieutenant, while the police chief is discounted as one of the good ole boys participating in a long term Thursday night card game...

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

It has An old time feel of Mayberry and Andy Griffith. The book is based on three friends and friendship. It has a nice flow, real people and mystery.

[Misty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Made me want to move to Mt. Jefferson!

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Engaging

Don Reid does a great job of drawing the reader in and immersing them in the story. The characters are well built and deep. Can't wait for the next in this series.

[Patti Abernathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun read. Same characters from his Christmas novel I read a few years ago. Enjoyed the same town Virginia setting.

[Joyce Walton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read several of Don Reid’s books this was not one of my favorites. Was a good story but didn’t love it.

[Angie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good, clean book. Worth the time to read. It just wasn't something I "really" liked. It is good. It is enjoyable. My husband liked it, too.

[Victor Gentile · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don Reid in his new book, “The Mulligans of Mt. Jefferson” Book Two in the Mt. Jefferson series published by David C. Cook returns us to Mt. Jefferson, Virginia in 1959.

From the back cover: Three old friends still have something to learn about forgiveness and second chances.
In a small Virginia town, Cal, Harlan, and Buddy grow up and get into—and out of—all the trouble that boys manage to think up. A local restaurateur, “Uncle” Vic calls them the Mulligans because they always seem to find a way through a thicket of trouble—family problems, girls, college, war service—to success.
On an early morning in 1959 police lieutenant Buddy receives a startling phone call: Harlan has been shot in a break-in. Together, Cal and Buddy begin to unravel what might have happened to Harlan, uncovering more questions than answers — and they begin to wonder what secrets lie beneath years of friendship. After a lifetime of pulling through scrapes together, are the Mulligans out of second chances?
According to the definition at the front of the book a mulligan is a do-over; a free shot given a golfer when the previous shot was poorly played; also a stew of meat and vegetables. I mention this only to point out that mulligan is not the last name of these three young men. Cal, Harlan and Buddy, three friends that keep pulling through whatever trouble seems to come their way. Now Harland has been shot and it is up to Buddy, the police officer and Cal, the pastor, to find out who did and why. The book stays in the present but every other chapter goes back into the past of each character so that we learn all about them to get to the present day situation and we can truly understand the shooting.

“The Mulligans of Mt. Jefferson” is all about friendship and family and just how tight that bond really is. It is also about secrets and how they can almost destroy you if you let them. It is also about God and forgiveness and second chances and the healing they help bring. Don Reid did an outstanding job in this book making the town of Mt. Jefferson and his characters really come alive. I know you want me to tell you who shot Harland. Well, all right, I’ll tell you it was…no, on second thought if I do tell you it will spoil the book and you really should read it. You will enjoy it a lot and then you can find out for yourself just who shot Harlan. I am really looking forward to more stories from Don Reid.

If you would like to listen to interviews with other authors and professionals please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where they are available On Demand.

To listen to 24 hours non-stop Christian music please visit our internet radio station www.kingdomairwaves.org

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book for free from Wynn-Wynn Media for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

[Kathleen (Kat) Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cal, Harlan, and Buddy grow up together in a small Virginia town in the years before the second World War. United by age, proximity, and temperament, they get into and out of all the trouble that boys manage to find. They even earn a nickname from a local restaurateur who gives the boys their first jobs and plenty of friendly advice. Uncle Vic calls them the Mulligans, because they always seem to find a way through a thicket of trouble family problems, girls, college, war to success. Cal and Harlan and Buddy have been blessed with second chances. Now it's 1959, and police lieutenant Buddy receives an early-morning phone call: his friend Harlan, a store owner, has been shot in a break-in. Cal, now a preacher, meets Buddy at the hospital, and together, as professionals and as friends, they begin to unravel what might have happened to Harlan.

I received The Mulligans of Mt. Jefferson by Don Reed compliments of Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest review and have to say it's quite unique from other books I've read. The author takes the reader into each of the characters lives both past and present day so you gain an insight unlike most novels. For example the reader first is introduced to the present day situation where Harlan has been shot and how the three interact in dealing with the circumstance, Harlan the victim, Buddy works for the police department and Cal is the local pastor.

Beginning with Harlan, the book toggles back and forth in each subsequent chapter going back into Harlan's past when he was a boy growing up and then flashing forward to present day, then back to the past again, until we learn all about Harlan's upbringing. Then the next segment of the book walks us through Cal's life and finishes up with Buddy so you can see how they have all arrived at where the book begins and just how Harlan has wound up in the hospital now shot. While it wasn't a favorite for me, due to all the changes in past and present between character, I'm sure other readers will enjoy this book. For me this one rated a 3 out of 5 stars.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Title: THE MULLIGANS OF MT. JEFFERSON
Author: Don Reid
Publisher: David C. Cook
January 2012
ISBN: 978-1-4347-6494-2
Genre: Inspirational/General

Cal, Harlan and Buddy were best friends who grew up together in their small Virginia town just before WWII. They get into and out of all the trouble that boys manage to fid—they even earn a nickname from a local restaurant owner who gives the boys their first jobs and lots of advice. He nicknamed them The Mulligans because they seemed to find their way through girl trouble, school trouble, family trouble, and even war.

Now grown, Buddy is a police officer expecting his seventeen year old daughter to give birth soon to his first grandchild. But the call that comes in that Harlan (who now owns a jewelry store) was shot in a robbery. Cal (a Methodist minister) and Buddy head to the hospital and start trying to figure out how Harlan might have gotten shot.

Now Buddy must be tough as he tries to get the truth about the intruder and the shooting from the surprisingly reticent Harlan and his wife. Cal tries to comfort them all. But will their friendship survive this difficult period?

THE MULLIGANS OF MT. JEFFERSON is the third book by acclaimed song writer/singer Don Reid of the Statler Brothers. However, I maintain the opinion of this book as I had of his first two… The book is slow moving, with long drawn out descriptions of their growing up years. It is kind of a coming of age story, written in a rather unusual sequence, but still readable.

I don’t enjoy Don Reid’s books, but I really can’t put my finger on why. I end up forcing myself to read them. They are set in a Mayberry type town, with true to life characters and situations, so a lot of people would love them. I’ll just say, they aren’t my ‘cup of tea.’ Still others might love them. $14.99. 400 pages.

[Therese · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this novel as a Firstreads giveaway. It's set in small-town America in 1959 and tells the story of three men who grew up together and have developed close friendships, one a police detective, one a preacher, and one a jeweler who's just been shot. The police detective tries to solve the mystery of who shot him.

So, one really interesting thing to me is that the author is a country music singer who's won a lot of musical awards. What makes it interesting is that the book and the writing have kind of a country music aesthetic going on. The characters are all relatively simple, down-home people, and most of them are into God and America and apple pie. Sometimes it gets a little hokey or corny, just like country music. (Granted, I like country music, though I tend to like more the darker, alternative kind, the tortured Johnny-got-lost-down-the-well, Devil-comin'-to-get-me kind.)

There are mild Christian elements, but not at all preachy or overdone. I was bothered by something though, but it's a spoiler ... As soon as you hear someone isn't Christian or isn't entirely American, it's a sign that person is going to do something bad. If the person is Jewish or from an immigrant family, watch out. So that was kind of off-putting.

I think I could recommend this with qualifications to people who like country music - not the dark alternative kind, but the unironic kind, and to people who are nostalgic for old-time small-town America, and Christians who are on the lookout for something clean to read. It's not some mind-blowing literary classic, but you could pass the time with it.

[Marcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is about small-town America in a span of almost 30 years from the early 1930s-1959.. It follows three male friends from childhood through adulthood. Even though the personalities of the boys were very different, they became friends immediately and maintained the friendships throughout their lives. Even so, each had secrets from each other. Each had personal triumphs and problems. Sometimes, the characters surprise the reader with mature decisions and acceptance of responsiblity. Cal's wife, unfortunately for his family, rejects the inevitable moves the family must make. Some military spouses also do this. They know intellectually that every 3 years they will move, but some do not adapt well to that lifestyle, which causes problems for the one in the military as well as the family. Some are ok at first but then grow resentful and reject the transitory life. The main story is set in 1959, but the flashbacks fill in details. Each of three main characters is distinct, which is not easy to accomplish. The book includes an interview with the author and discussion questions for further thinking about the book. Although the word "mulligan" in the title does refer to second chances and do-overs, it also refers to a stew with whatever meat & vegetables are available. I think both definitions are applicable to the characters. I would like to read a sequel to their stories.

[Clover · Rating 4 out of 5]

Harlan has been shot, supposedly by a burglar.
Buddy’s investigating the shooting. He’s been Harlan’s friend since they were kids. And he knows Harlan isn’t telling the whole story.
We’re introduced to several characters who might potentially be the shooter:
Fritz – the enigma. No one knows his last name, or where he’s from, or why he’s so fiercely loyal to Harlan’s father
Nicoli – the ne’er do well. No one knows how he affords his posh house or why he carries a gun at all times.
Nick – the bookie. Most people in town owe him money.
The mystery of Who Shot Harlan? is an involving arc. But the book isn’t really a mystery. It’s really about three boys growing up to be decent men.
In their youth, Harlan, Buddy and Cal were shysters, opportunists who were always running a scam.
Harlan takes over the family business when his father has a stroke, even though it means giving up his dream of going to college.
Buddy becomes a good cop who puts justice ahead of his personal interests.
Cal goes from juvenile delinquent to Reverend.
The moralizing isn’t heavy-handed, but you end up with a pretty clear idea of what the author thinks a man should be: loyal, responsible and unselfish.
Amen to that, I say. Also, it’s well-written.

[IrenesBookReviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Mulligans of Mt. Jefferson is written by Don Reid and published by David C Cook.

The three main characters in this story are Cal, Harlan and Buddy. They grew up together in Virginia and were known for getting into trouble together. They were given a nickname, the Mulligans. This book is set in the late 1950’s and centers on the search for the recent shooter of Harlan. They work together to try to find out why Harlan was shot.

The story jumps around a bit from past to present. You can easily get mixed up on who is doing what when. I still enjoyed the story and thought the writing was very good. The story itself was interesting and the characters were well written. You aren’t into the book very far when you start to think you have met these men in real life.

I only gave this book 4/5 stars because I did get confused on some parts and felt it could have used more drama to move the story along. It was still interesting and is worth reading.

I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for the copy of this book I enjoyed reading. I gave an honest review based on my opinion of what I read.

[cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won a copy of this books from the Goodreads site. It follows the lives of three boys who become friends during childhood in a small Virginia town. We see the boys as a trio of trouble-seeking kids and then follow each as he grows into his own adult. The characters remain close as friends and their relationship, and each man's examination of himself and his role in the group, intensifies when one man is shot in his home. The man who is shot has inherited his father's business and his friend's have become a cop and a priest.


This is a 3.5 star book for me. I enjoyed the portions of the book focused on the boys' childhoods and adolescent years more than the parts focusing on them as adults. The coming-of-age story was good but I wasn't really invested in the "present" timeline that involved the cop and priest responding to the shooting that harms, but does not kill, their friend. I can't put my finger on why, but I felt a bit of the book was kind of preachy. I didn't feel satisfied when I finished the book so will round down to three stars on this one.

[Gin Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

TOUCHES YOUR SOUL...

This book is everything a book should be. It's like a drink of very cool water on a long hot day. It refreshes you, it feels good and you want more! I do.
The best book for me it's one that holds my interest to the point I don't want to put it down. It must have such amazingly written characters that they become like family to me AND must have an ending that finished the book but leaves me wanting the story to go on. This book has all that in spades. I was so torn when I read the last page-I really wanted to immediately go and see what else this author had written and to find out if there was more written about these characters lives-but I also felt like I had to write a review so I could share this wonderful book. So there you go. Yes, I highly recommend this book. It is so good that anyone who doesn't read it is really missing out on more than they can imagine. You need to own and read this book. You really do. :)

HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!! :D

[Jess · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book in a goodreads giveaway (thank you!). This is a story about 3 men who have been best friends since they were children. One night, one of the men is shot in an apparent break in and all 3 stumble through the investigation in the small town of Mt. Jefferson. It is really the story about a town and it's secrets. I really enjoyed the character development in this book however there were a lot of twists that were not explored. I'm not sure if that was meant to confuse the reader but I found that those plot twists were actually more interesting than the conclusion of the book. The first 3/4 of the book was great but the ending resolved itself in literally 3 pages. The author spent so much time on character/town development that it felt like he ran out of pages and had to rush the ending. It was very well written and I am looking forward to reading his other Mt. Jefferson novel "O Little Town

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

In golf, a "mulligan" is a do-over on a bad shot, now generalized to mean a second chance at something.

In Mt. Jefferson, Mulligans is a restaurant owned by ex-pro golfer Vic Princeton, which is frequented by three lifelong friends: Harlan Stone, second-generation owner of a prestigious jewelry shop; Buddy Briggs, a police officer; and Cal Vaxter, a local Methodist minister. They became friends in grade school, enrolled together when America entered World War II, and remained friends during the decades since. And each of them, in his own way, has had to take a "mulligan" in life ...

[Angie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Mulligans of Mt. Jefferson: Not really a sequel but rather a new story with some of the same characters from Reid's "O Little Town" (which was better). Life in 1959 in a small town is well portrayed but the plot doesn't quite flow and it is hard to warm to some of the major players. A trio of men who have been friends since boyhood, deal with secrets and loyalty after one of them is shot and wounded. 338 pages

[Tonya · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, the characters were all likeable, this storyline easy to follow, and its one of those books you get wrapped up in, maybe it was the setting, 1959. Things were simple, but people still had problems, hang ups, family issues just like now. It was well written, but ended without answering some questions, from the main characters, makes you wonder if another book will follow. If so, it will be on the reading list.

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gentle, feel good book that isn't sugary and sentimental, the Mulligans follows three friends through boyhood into adult troubles. The theme of redemption, duty and friendship rings true.

I first discovered Don Reid, one of the Statler Brothers, when an earlier book was put up free for Kindle. I enjoyed it, and have enjoyed all of his books that I've since found.