Lone Tree: A True Story of Murder in America's Heartland

by Bruce Brown

The story of an Iowa farmer who murdered his wife and two others before taking his own life illustrates the major themes--rising debt and the changing farm community--of the ongoing farm crisis

Genres: True Crime, Nonfiction

220 pages, Hardcover

First published August 19, 1989

Reviews

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

time to come back to my home town and reread this book. Yes it's about the farm crisis and I've read it before as I know everyone in the book. Dale's sister (my aunt Ruth) who is currently in the nursing home,Rich Goody-used to be a FS customer in the days that I worked at Cedar Johnson FS (I will never forget the day this tragedy happened). there are a few errors in Bruce's story, but he still did a good job of getting the point across. I also thought Dale was a great guy. With farm land prices here in Johnson county skyrocketing, I hope when the big crash hits again (it will trust me)that people have not dug a hole and over borrowed to buy this high priced land, as I want no more repeats! RIP - Dale,Emily, & Rich, I still think of you all.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had special meaning for me and my family as my first husband is mentioned in it. Steve Meeker was a victim of the farm crisis of the 80's and committed suicide when he felt he could no longer make a living on the farm.

[Abbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really quick read. I think I enjoyed it because it takes place near my hometown right after I was born. The transitions by the author from present to past are not always seamless, but he is getting his point across. I'm not sure I completely agree with his final thoughts given the state of the world today, because economies are more global than the economies he attempts to compare in the past. It sort of negates his comparisons and one could argue that he's not comparing apples to apples anymore. Still, it was a quick easy read that was enjoyable and gave the appearance of being informed, without citing any sources.

[Rob · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick and interesting read (especially for those who know the geographical area). And the anti-Capitalist goodies at the end of the book are nice.

[Peggy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is an older one, almost 25 years out of the farm crisis it writes about, but I still found it worth reading. Author Brown gives the reader a history of the American farmer, depressions, and economy in the United States since the founding of the country up until the 1980s. Brown uses the story of Dale Burr from Lone Tree, Iowa, who, when in danger of losing his farm to foreclosure, goes on a kiling spree - murdering his wife, his banker, and a next door neighbor before committing suicide. I feel Brown is openly biased against the government handling of farm economy, subsidies, and legislative bills. Whether the government is a wittingly or unwittingly aware, Brown says it is a major factor in the destruction of the small farm and farmer in this country. Such destruction will ultimately in the end of this democratic country. The book gave me much to think about.

[Doreen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm so glad I read this book. Yes, it's a true story of a triple murder/suicide, but it's so much more. The author explains and details the complexity of farming in America throughout history. The author includes the impact of legislation, mechanization, FDR's New Deal, and our country's banking practices to create the setting for these horrible tragedies.

The whole story is sad. Somehow, the author succeeds in presenting a true picture of the financial, historic, and emotional climates surrounding this day in December, 1985. I believe he does justice to the people whose lives were taken and gives respect to everyone involved. The people, as well as the Iowa farmland, were described in such great detail that I saw it all in my mind. I'm upset for the people in the story, but I'm very satisfied with the the author's thorough, accurate telling of it.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good true crime story framed in the backdrop of the agricultural crisis of the 80s/90s.

[SouthWestZippy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book. It is about a man who killed his neighbor, wife and a banker in the 1980's.