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The Chicken Hanger
Ricky Delgado longs for the same things every American citizen wants: A steady job, a nice home, a decent place to raise a family. The problem is, he's in the United States illegally, so these things might be out of reach. But, for now, he has a good start. For eight months, he's been working at a poultry plant in South Texas. It's filthy, miserable work, but the pay is steady, and Ricky is trying to save enough money to buy a used truck. Unfortunately, a man named Herschel Gandy is about to make Ricky's life more difficult.
The Gandy family owns a ranch on the banks of the Rio Grande, and Herschel is fed up with the constant flow of illegal aliens crossing his land. They cut fences and kill his livestock. They leave a trail of garbage. They steal things. Herschel has decided to do something about it. Ricky is at work when he gets the news. His brother, Tomás, was shot as he attempted to enter the country. Tomás is alive, but seriously injured. Ricky is angry, of course, but to step forward and report the crime could jeopardize his chance for the American dream. But he decides it's the right thing to do. Because now he wants something even more important than a home or a job. He wants justice
The Gandy family owns a ranch on the banks of the Rio Grande, and Herschel is fed up with the constant flow of illegal aliens crossing his land. They cut fences and kill his livestock. They leave a trail of garbage. They steal things. Herschel has decided to do something about it. Ricky is at work when he gets the news. His brother, Tomás, was shot as he attempted to enter the country. Tomás is alive, but seriously injured. Ricky is angry, of course, but to step forward and report the crime could jeopardize his chance for the American dream. But he decides it's the right thing to do. Because now he wants something even more important than a home or a job. He wants justice
- GenresFiction
224 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2012
10 people are currently reading
90 people want to read
About the author
Ben Rehder
76 books276 followersBen Rehder wanted to become a writer ever since he was dropped on his head as a toddler. As he grew into a young adult and the vertigo gradually dissipated, his passion for literature grew. Ben longed to craft the type of soul-stirring prose that would touch people’s lives and help them explore new emotional horizons. But he went to work at an ad agency instead.
Throughout his rewarding and fruitful career in the ad business, Ben has been known to write such imaginative and compelling phrases as “Act now!,” “Limited-time offer,” and “Compatible with today’s rapidly changing network environment.”
However, there eventually came a time when, as unbelievable as it sounds, writing brochures and spec sheets simply wasn’t enough to satisfy Ben’s creative urges. Ben knew: It was time to write a novel.
“But what kind of novel?” Ben asked himself, drawing stares from passersby.
A mystery? A thriller? A work of suspense? Ben had read hundreds of books in these genres and loved them all. But nothing had sparked his creative juices enough to try it himself.
Fate played a hand one day when Ben’s father-in-law tossed him a copy of a Carl Hiaasen novel. And then it hit him. It literally hit him, right in the forehead. When the swelling went down and Ben had a chance to read the book, he discovered a type of fiction he had never experienced before—the comic crime novel! He loved the wacky characters, the zany plots, the interesting writing that threw a good deal of humor into the mix.
So Ben set out to write his own novel. After many grueling minutes in front of a computer, Ben was proud to present Buck Fever. Like many best-selling classics, Buck Fever has lots and lots of verbs, prepositions, adjectives, and the occasional gerund. It was even nominated for the Edgar Award for Best First Novel!
Next came Bone Dry, Flat Crazy, Guilt Trip, Gun Shy, and Holy Moly. Best of all, Ben is now releasing the earlier novels in ebook format at the low low price of just $2.99. What a deal!
Throughout his rewarding and fruitful career in the ad business, Ben has been known to write such imaginative and compelling phrases as “Act now!,” “Limited-time offer,” and “Compatible with today’s rapidly changing network environment.”
However, there eventually came a time when, as unbelievable as it sounds, writing brochures and spec sheets simply wasn’t enough to satisfy Ben’s creative urges. Ben knew: It was time to write a novel.
“But what kind of novel?” Ben asked himself, drawing stares from passersby.
A mystery? A thriller? A work of suspense? Ben had read hundreds of books in these genres and loved them all. But nothing had sparked his creative juices enough to try it himself.
Fate played a hand one day when Ben’s father-in-law tossed him a copy of a Carl Hiaasen novel. And then it hit him. It literally hit him, right in the forehead. When the swelling went down and Ben had a chance to read the book, he discovered a type of fiction he had never experienced before—the comic crime novel! He loved the wacky characters, the zany plots, the interesting writing that threw a good deal of humor into the mix.
So Ben set out to write his own novel. After many grueling minutes in front of a computer, Ben was proud to present Buck Fever. Like many best-selling classics, Buck Fever has lots and lots of verbs, prepositions, adjectives, and the occasional gerund. It was even nominated for the Edgar Award for Best First Novel!
Next came Bone Dry, Flat Crazy, Guilt Trip, Gun Shy, and Holy Moly. Best of all, Ben is now releasing the earlier novels in ebook format at the low low price of just $2.99. What a deal!
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
September 6, 2019
Loved this book! Entertaining, engrossing, and enlightening, and a great discussion novel on today's immigration issues. I am looking forward to meeting the author next month at our book group in Austin, TX. This is a book for men and women to savor.
June 7, 2018
Excellent story!! The situation itself hooks you early: an illegal immigrant gets shot by a Texas rancher while crossing the border and his brother has to decide whether or not to expose them both by seeking justice.
Like all of Rehder’s books, there is no good place to put it down. It has a fascinating plot, compelling characters, and the perfect blend of escape reading and relevant social issues. No matter what side of the illegal immigration issue you are on, you’ll enjoy this story and the author’s honest approach on the topic. If you don’t care at bit about social issues and just want to escape, you can do that too.
Like all of Rehder’s books, there is no good place to put it down. It has a fascinating plot, compelling characters, and the perfect blend of escape reading and relevant social issues. No matter what side of the illegal immigration issue you are on, you’ll enjoy this story and the author’s honest approach on the topic. If you don’t care at bit about social issues and just want to escape, you can do that too.
May 6, 2013
A great read, deeper than you might expect, that really captures the mindsets of both sides of the immigration issue. It makes a very important issue accessible through well developed characters and a plot that moves as quickly as Rehder's Blanco County Murders series. Rehder dialed back the humor in this novel, but didn't stray so far from his roots that he will disappoint fans. I'd say he hit all the right notes with the right tone.
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August 5, 2020Thumbs up
I was totally engaged in the story from the first pages. In some ways it's historical fiction, in that he portrays the life of a undocument workers (a "chicken hanger") as well as those who employ the workers, and the government inconsistent responses. Because of my own lack of knowledge, I have no idea how typical this story is. It's just one story, and gives me a glimpse of life. I'd like to read more about the lives of immigrants, now. The involvement of the legal system was particularly interesting (and surprising) to me.
The ending was a little soft. It tied up the knots of the various threads in the story, but I didn't get a feel for how the people had changed, if they had. It's more like a Law-and-Order, and plot driven, that like most shows which are character-driven. But not so stark a contrast. (BTW, I LOVE L&O).
It's a good story for both adults and Young Adults. It didn't have the gratuitous sex scenes, which I appreciated. I don't mind sex/love that propels the story. Too often now there is the obligatory sex scene or two or more. NOt much gratuitous violence either (despite death and destruction).
The author has written another series that is reviewed as very funny. I like the author's writing and I'm going to check out his other series.
I "read" the audio version and really liked the narrator (and I frequently don't like narrators. I'm kind of picky about narrators. Too many think they are on stage, and every form of performance require somewhat different skills).
I was totally engaged in the story from the first pages. In some ways it's historical fiction, in that he portrays the life of a undocument workers (a "chicken hanger") as well as those who employ the workers, and the government inconsistent responses. Because of my own lack of knowledge, I have no idea how typical this story is. It's just one story, and gives me a glimpse of life. I'd like to read more about the lives of immigrants, now. The involvement of the legal system was particularly interesting (and surprising) to me.
The ending was a little soft. It tied up the knots of the various threads in the story, but I didn't get a feel for how the people had changed, if they had. It's more like a Law-and-Order, and plot driven, that like most shows which are character-driven. But not so stark a contrast. (BTW, I LOVE L&O).
It's a good story for both adults and Young Adults. It didn't have the gratuitous sex scenes, which I appreciated. I don't mind sex/love that propels the story. Too often now there is the obligatory sex scene or two or more. NOt much gratuitous violence either (despite death and destruction).
The author has written another series that is reviewed as very funny. I like the author's writing and I'm going to check out his other series.
I "read" the audio version and really liked the narrator (and I frequently don't like narrators. I'm kind of picky about narrators. Too many think they are on stage, and every form of performance require somewhat different skills).
July 20, 2018
The Chicken Hanger is a compelling tale about the issue of Mexicans illegally crossing the border into Texas, desperate to improve their lives. Ben Rehder has done a brilliant job picking the characters to tell the story, as he has every base covered. The main character is Ricky, an illegal already working at a chicken plant in Texas, run by an obnoxious boss who turns a blind eye to his illegal workforce. Ricky's brother Tomas is shot and injured trying to cross the border by a rancher who is outraged at the illegals crossing his land and determined to intercept as many as he can. There's a highly regarded border patrolman who is starting to question the morality of what he does, and there are several others - each a vital cog in The Chicken Hanger's wheel. I had never read Ben Rehder before so didn't know what to expect, but I was pulled in immediately and absolutely captivated from start to finish. Without being a long novel, The Chicken Hanger manages to cram so much in and not a single word is wasted. There's no category to put it in, it's just a great story. Easily a four star rating, pushed up to 5 stars by the excellent audio narration.
January 15, 2021
audible:This was a very good story.A group of illegals try to cross the border ,not knowing they were in the hairs of a shotgun.One is shot.We find out how things go down when a town that works migrants but despises the 'wetbacks',react.Narration by Sergei Burbank was good.I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.'
September 10, 2021
A serious story about illegal immigrants in Texas. I was stunned by the conditions some of them work in. But there are some very funny moments to lighten the gloom. Not what I expected from Mr Rehder but glad I read it
July 30, 2018
Great novel from a Texas author about both sides of the immigration crisis.
August 20, 2018
I love how this guy writes. He has written 18 books and I am looking forward to reading many more.!
May 10, 2019
Very well written. Characters are a little trite but that didn't ruin it for me. The ending is a little too tied-together but I loved the ending.
October 20, 2019
Entertaining and provocative. This book held my interest and even though the Border situation has changed since the book was written the various viewpoints still exist.
October 11, 2012
If you like books that make you think beyond the text of the story - this is a good one. Really makes you think about the issues of illegal immigrants specifically from Mexico - the current policies in place by the government and how we as individuals treat Mexicans who are here, legal or not.
I wouldn't call it a funny "romp" like a review on the back of the book says, but there is some whimsy.
I found it just by browsing the library shelves for something to read. Always a risky endeavor - but it was worth my time to read!
I wouldn't call it a funny "romp" like a review on the back of the book says, but there is some whimsy.
I found it just by browsing the library shelves for something to read. Always a risky endeavor - but it was worth my time to read!
May 9, 2012
This was a serious book from Ben Rehder. I bought it expecting laughs and mayhem but was given a good story, varied characters and a lot to think about when it comes to immigration. I was surprised at how I almost felt like the stealing that occured in the book was ok. Rehder does a wonderful job of painting a picture that you can put yourself in the middle of. Ben Rehder is one author that I will keep on my favorites shelf.
February 12, 2014
This was my Golden Vista Book Club's choice for this month or I might not have read it. It was a worthwhile read ---
Interesting perspectives on the extreme vehemence some feel toward those crossing our southern border and conversely the internal conflicts of border patrol personnel who question what they are charged with. Who would not, legal or illegal, attempt to go where there is a possibly of a better life?
Interesting perspectives on the extreme vehemence some feel toward those crossing our southern border and conversely the internal conflicts of border patrol personnel who question what they are charged with. Who would not, legal or illegal, attempt to go where there is a possibly of a better life?
May 13, 2012
Ben did an excellent job with this book. He really built strong characters. It was very easy for me to picture each scene in my mind.
September 16, 2012
Good story, but wraps up a little too neatly for my taste. About illegal immigrants and their experience in Texas.
December 6, 2012
Great story, moves fast - interesting and amusing. Recommended.
February 12, 2015
Now I know what a Chicken Hanger is! Typical Rehder twisted humor. A must read.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews