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The Milk Wagon: A Novel
THE MILK WAGON is a coming of age thriller about friendship, redemption, and how the ties made during high school can last a lifetime.
For Matt Frazier, Jason "Hop" Hopkins, and Mark Ragone, 1986 was the year that changed everything, and it was the year that everything changed.
It was the year Matt fell in love.
It was the year Mark started a band.
It was the year Hop actually, kind of, but not really got a girlfriend.
And it was the year Nate Mayes disappeared.
Matt, Hop and Mark have been friends since elementary school. They played ball together, they hung out together, and they somehow managed to work their way through the awkward years of junior high together. Now, they are finally starting to come into their own as they prepare to start eleventh grade, but on the first day of school, a new kid named Nate Mayes arrives, and with him, a secret. Once the boys learn the horrifying truth, they take it upon themselves to try and make it right, and in so doing, set in motion a chain of events that have unexpected and life-altering consequences for everyone.
The Milk Wagon was there through it all.
For Matt Frazier, Jason "Hop" Hopkins, and Mark Ragone, 1986 was the year that changed everything, and it was the year that everything changed.
It was the year Matt fell in love.
It was the year Mark started a band.
It was the year Hop actually, kind of, but not really got a girlfriend.
And it was the year Nate Mayes disappeared.
Matt, Hop and Mark have been friends since elementary school. They played ball together, they hung out together, and they somehow managed to work their way through the awkward years of junior high together. Now, they are finally starting to come into their own as they prepare to start eleventh grade, but on the first day of school, a new kid named Nate Mayes arrives, and with him, a secret. Once the boys learn the horrifying truth, they take it upon themselves to try and make it right, and in so doing, set in motion a chain of events that have unexpected and life-altering consequences for everyone.
The Milk Wagon was there through it all.
366 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 2, 2020
81 people are currently reading
690 people want to read
About the author
Michael Hewes
3 books30 followersMichael Hewes earned his undergraduate degree from University of Southern Mississippi and his law degree from Ole Miss.
A retired JAG officer, Hewes currently practices law in Gulfport, Mississippi, where he lives with his wife and their three sons, two dogs, and one cat.
A retired JAG officer, Hewes currently practices law in Gulfport, Mississippi, where he lives with his wife and their three sons, two dogs, and one cat.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
May 29, 2020
The Milk Wagon is a fantastic thriller set in the 80’s, much of it revolving around a group of high school boys. As an 80’s high schooler myself, this was a wonderful walk down memory lane. This book has the 80’s high school mentality exactly right, and transported me back there as the movies we watched, the cars we drove, and the way we thought were so accurately described.
This novel was perfectly woven together as both an 80’s book and a crime/murder thriller. There were many twists and turns, and although I am usually pretty good at guessing the “bad guy,” i was totally wrong this time. The fact that this book was not predictable impressed me.
The characters are so well done, especially the 80s high school kids, that I was sad when it ended. That’s how you tell a great book. You don’t want it to end.
If you love crime thrillers, if you loved the 80s, or if you just love a well written book, check this one out.
I received a free copy of this book from Michael Hewes and BooksGoSocial via Netgalley. My review is voluntary.
This novel was perfectly woven together as both an 80’s book and a crime/murder thriller. There were many twists and turns, and although I am usually pretty good at guessing the “bad guy,” i was totally wrong this time. The fact that this book was not predictable impressed me.
The characters are so well done, especially the 80s high school kids, that I was sad when it ended. That’s how you tell a great book. You don’t want it to end.
If you love crime thrillers, if you loved the 80s, or if you just love a well written book, check this one out.
I received a free copy of this book from Michael Hewes and BooksGoSocial via Netgalley. My review is voluntary.
April 6, 2020
This is a nostalgic thriller that is not to be missed ! Michael Hewes is a brilliant writer !
April 12, 2020
If Ferris Bueller had solved crime instead of taking the day off, it probably would've been pretty close to this second novel from Hewes (which was even better than his first.) A perfect foundation of suspense, with just the right amount of nostalgia to have you reliving all of your favorite parts of high school.
June 26, 2020
I loved this book! It hooked me from the start, and the pace kept me reading page after page. However, don’t let the brisk pace fool you: This is a very well written and carefully constructed book. The writing was descriptive, but tight. I would be surprised if there was a wasted word anywhere.
I am a sucker for stories that take place in the glamorous 1980s, and this book was no different. Most books, TV shows, movies, etc., that take place in the 80s, however, seem to make it like any other time-period -- only with a few mullets, acid-washed jeans, and Michael Jackson references sprinkled on top. At worst, the era can come across as cornball with no real depth. In the Milk Wagon, though -- coming from someone who grew up in the 80s -- the few 80s references were enough to make me smile in recognition, but not enough to take me out of the story. The book has a clear-eyed reverence for the decade.
I enjoyed the book's thriller aspect, and there were a couple of twists (including the last one...) that I did not see coming, but, importantly, now that I can see in retrospect how carefully constructed the plot is, they were all well earned (unlike some books' twists that come out of nowhere).
However, it is the world building between this tight group of friends that resonated the most with me. Every time I picked up the book, I found myself looking forward to catching up with my newfound friends and all their distinct, but authentic, quirks and stories. I look forward to reading the sequel ... maybe?
I am a sucker for stories that take place in the glamorous 1980s, and this book was no different. Most books, TV shows, movies, etc., that take place in the 80s, however, seem to make it like any other time-period -- only with a few mullets, acid-washed jeans, and Michael Jackson references sprinkled on top. At worst, the era can come across as cornball with no real depth. In the Milk Wagon, though -- coming from someone who grew up in the 80s -- the few 80s references were enough to make me smile in recognition, but not enough to take me out of the story. The book has a clear-eyed reverence for the decade.
I enjoyed the book's thriller aspect, and there were a couple of twists (including the last one...) that I did not see coming, but, importantly, now that I can see in retrospect how carefully constructed the plot is, they were all well earned (unlike some books' twists that come out of nowhere).
However, it is the world building between this tight group of friends that resonated the most with me. Every time I picked up the book, I found myself looking forward to catching up with my newfound friends and all their distinct, but authentic, quirks and stories. I look forward to reading the sequel ... maybe?
June 10, 2020
This was a great, fun read. You can read the plot points somewhere else, but in a nutshell: a group of 1987 high school juniors in south Mississippi find themselves in the midst of a money laundering and murderous nightmare, while still being high school juniors. Hewes balances a retro-themed affectionate nod to a certain time and place with a legal thriller quite well. I've seen other people reference FERRIS BUELLER'S DAY OFF meets John Grisham...and I get that comparison, given the friendship of the characters in the movie. That movie is also referenced in the book, as are many of of-the-time pop culture cornerstones. Having lived in south Mississippi for many years (including my junior and senior year of high school) there were many other Easter Eggs in the book that brought a smile to my face that the unaware reader will gloss over, but those were just icing on the cake. Nostalgic, fun, twisting, and incredibly fast-paced...I read the last 80 pages last night because I didn't want to put it down...this book was definitely in my wheelhouse.
September 2, 2021
This is a fantastic peek into the 1980's! If you want a great summer thriller with some nostalgic feels, this is the book for you!
I loved how this book kept you guessing. Its a crime mystery and with some books you think you knowbhownit is going to end, not with Milk Wagon! I was guessing until the end. I highly recommend this book!
I loved how this book kept you guessing. Its a crime mystery and with some books you think you knowbhownit is going to end, not with Milk Wagon! I was guessing until the end. I highly recommend this book!
December 4, 2020
Matt is planning his 30th High-School-Reunion and takes a look back at a very special semester when a new kid named Nate joined their clique, and together they had the adventure of their life.
I enjoyed the parts written from the perspective of Matt very much. It's a quite special coming-of-age story, that soon turns into a detective story. I could have done without the chapters from the perspective of FBI Agent Kathryn Cooper. At first they confused me a bit, until I got the gist of the story. And later they weren't really necessary. I would have been a lot more interested in what Nate had to say about all of this, in his version of everything! And what happened after the book ended!
But overall a very good book that I enjoyed very much.
I enjoyed the parts written from the perspective of Matt very much. It's a quite special coming-of-age story, that soon turns into a detective story. I could have done without the chapters from the perspective of FBI Agent Kathryn Cooper. At first they confused me a bit, until I got the gist of the story. And later they weren't really necessary. I would have been a lot more interested in what Nate had to say about all of this, in his version of everything! And what happened after the book ended!
But overall a very good book that I enjoyed very much.
February 3, 2021
The Milk Wagon is a coming-of-age mystery set in Gulfport Mississippi during 1986.
High school friends Matt, Mark and Hop befriend new boy Nate Mayes, who recently arrived in this small town. I liked how much of the story was written around Matt’s 1980 Suburban car which they nicknamed the Milk Wagon; it became as much of a character in the book as the boys themselves. Alongside the story of the boys’ friendship is an FBI investigation in the area about a money laundering case being run by doctors and pharmacists.
Short easy to read chapters dot back and forth between the two parts and it isn’t too long before the narratives become linked and the tension of the story increases, reaching a grand finale with a good twist.
As soon as the author introduced us to the school friends the story drew me in, as their mannerisms, actions and dialogue all felt real; teenage talk about cars, girls and sport flew naturally from the pages. I was less convinced with the money laundering events; the characters involved were harder to comprehend and were less convincing than the teenagers. However, this may be because when the second storyline was introduced, at chapter four, I was already hooked by the teenagers and was mildly grumpy about the pause in their story and the introduction to lots more characters.
The money laundering tale did grow on me and by the end I was invested in tying up the mystery and solving the case. But my favourites will always be Matt, Mark, Hop and Natt; their final school reunion looked set to be a particular high point which I would have been happy to attend.
Overall, a story about high school friendships and how good friends will always try to be there for each other.
High school friends Matt, Mark and Hop befriend new boy Nate Mayes, who recently arrived in this small town. I liked how much of the story was written around Matt’s 1980 Suburban car which they nicknamed the Milk Wagon; it became as much of a character in the book as the boys themselves. Alongside the story of the boys’ friendship is an FBI investigation in the area about a money laundering case being run by doctors and pharmacists.
Short easy to read chapters dot back and forth between the two parts and it isn’t too long before the narratives become linked and the tension of the story increases, reaching a grand finale with a good twist.
As soon as the author introduced us to the school friends the story drew me in, as their mannerisms, actions and dialogue all felt real; teenage talk about cars, girls and sport flew naturally from the pages. I was less convinced with the money laundering events; the characters involved were harder to comprehend and were less convincing than the teenagers. However, this may be because when the second storyline was introduced, at chapter four, I was already hooked by the teenagers and was mildly grumpy about the pause in their story and the introduction to lots more characters.
The money laundering tale did grow on me and by the end I was invested in tying up the mystery and solving the case. But my favourites will always be Matt, Mark, Hop and Natt; their final school reunion looked set to be a particular high point which I would have been happy to attend.
Overall, a story about high school friendships and how good friends will always try to be there for each other.
June 21, 2020
"And finally, we toasted to Nate. The strangest, coolest, weirdest, and, of course, most generous dude we ever met." – The Milk Wagon by Michael Hewes
What. A. Thriller.
Michael Hewes' The Milk Wagon is a wonderful coming-of-age thriller that will pull you into the complicated yet exciting world of Matt, Hop, Mark, Lance, and Nate. Unknowingly surrounded by a criminal investigation, these boys still somehow found themselves tangled up in the outskirts of that very mess, and I loved every page of it.
One of my favorite things in this book is the inclusion of Marty, an artist diagnosed with autism, and how Hewes was able to use this inclusion in a way that does not add to the still currently negative stigma on mental health. Even with the revelation of the killer's identity, Hewes did not use mental health issues as a scapegoat in regards to the motive of the killer, which is really what I want from books like this (yes, the bar, for me, is literally this low, and yet, authors continue to write books that add to the stigma against mental health).
It felt like this book was going exactly how you thought it was going to be, but then it takes a 180 degree turn only to go on another 180 degree and complete that circle! It kept me at the edge of my sit wanting to know how exactly it's going to end. If Hewes would [please] be able to give us a sequel that goes deeper into Nate's disappearance, it would motivate me more to do my best in order to survive this current pandemic.
Thanks to Michael Hewes and Samntoff Press for providing me an e-ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review!
What. A. Thriller.
Michael Hewes' The Milk Wagon is a wonderful coming-of-age thriller that will pull you into the complicated yet exciting world of Matt, Hop, Mark, Lance, and Nate. Unknowingly surrounded by a criminal investigation, these boys still somehow found themselves tangled up in the outskirts of that very mess, and I loved every page of it.
One of my favorite things in this book is the inclusion of Marty, an artist diagnosed with autism, and how Hewes was able to use this inclusion in a way that does not add to the still currently negative stigma on mental health. Even with the revelation of the killer's identity, Hewes did not use mental health issues as a scapegoat in regards to the motive of the killer, which is really what I want from books like this (yes, the bar, for me, is literally this low, and yet, authors continue to write books that add to the stigma against mental health).
It felt like this book was going exactly how you thought it was going to be, but then it takes a 180 degree turn only to go on another 180 degree and complete that circle! It kept me at the edge of my sit wanting to know how exactly it's going to end. If Hewes would [please] be able to give us a sequel that goes deeper into Nate's disappearance, it would motivate me more to do my best in order to survive this current pandemic.
Thanks to Michael Hewes and Samntoff Press for providing me an e-ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review!
April 9, 2022
Kudos to whoever designed the cover, because it's great.
The story, though, was a solid pretty good. The author captured the time period vividly, and his depictions of teenage boys seemed pretty accurate (though it's not something I have firsthand knowledge of, so grain of salt). The story did require a fair bit of suspension of disbelief, and usually that bothers me, but it worked, here. Yeah, the idea of a teenager pulling off a massive heist is... silly, but there is that element of wish fulfillment (and a sort of nostalgia for a past that never existed but could have) that lets you ignore the improbability and just enjoy it.
On the other hand, the casual sexism of the teenage protagonists was uncomfortable but believable. Ah, the 80s.
The other thing was the epilogue, which was a bit too cute. It also felt like a tonal shift? Like, it was nice, but almost... too nice? I can't believe I'm saying that, as I love happy endings, it just seemed, I don't know, hasty? Too neat? Still, I shouldn't complain!
The story, though, was a solid pretty good. The author captured the time period vividly, and his depictions of teenage boys seemed pretty accurate (though it's not something I have firsthand knowledge of, so grain of salt). The story did require a fair bit of suspension of disbelief, and usually that bothers me, but it worked, here. Yeah, the idea of a teenager pulling off a massive heist is... silly, but there is that element of wish fulfillment (and a sort of nostalgia for a past that never existed but could have) that lets you ignore the improbability and just enjoy it.
On the other hand, the casual sexism of the teenage protagonists was uncomfortable but believable. Ah, the 80s.
The other thing was the epilogue, which was a bit too cute. It also felt like a tonal shift? Like, it was nice, but almost... too nice? I can't believe I'm saying that, as I love happy endings, it just seemed, I don't know, hasty? Too neat? Still, I shouldn't complain!
June 2, 2020
This book had me going. The way the book sets itself up leads you to believe one thing for half the book and then flips the script and then flips it again for the reveal was awesome. I really enjoyed that it was set in the 80's and the main characters were teenagers. I feel as if Hewes treated the teenage characters with respect and didn't try to dumb them down or make them smarter. That's one of the main reasons I finished this book so quickly. It also had a nice slow burn without feeling like it was slow. I think the bookends of the 30 year reunion was done nicely too. It gave an opening to possibly having sequel but left the story nicely wrapped that it could be a stand alone novel. The story is told through a few different narrations and I really liked that and it made the twist payoff that much better. I will definitely be recommending this book to family and friends to read!
January 21, 2022
I stumbled across this one from one the recommended lists that Amazon cultivated for me…I’m so glad that I did. Set in the 80s, it was a breath of fresh air to read about a group of friends living life prior to social media craziness. The friendships that were the center of this book remind someone that high school back then was different and in some ways, better. Mix in a little adventure and it makes for a great story! This is the first book I’ve read by this author, and I’m looking forward to finding and reading more. Highly recommend!
November 18, 2020
The Milk Wagon
This was such a great story! The camaraderie between that bunch of boys took me back to a little town where my boys grew up. Remembered those kids with a smile. The mystery and the adventures were exciting. The Milk wagon made me think of the old hearse one of my kids drove. Just hope I can find more books by this author.
This was such a great story! The camaraderie between that bunch of boys took me back to a little town where my boys grew up. Remembered those kids with a smile. The mystery and the adventures were exciting. The Milk wagon made me think of the old hearse one of my kids drove. Just hope I can find more books by this author.
November 25, 2020
This is a nice book, more for teenagers than an adult audience. It reminded me of some of my high school days, but I didn't feel the plot was particularly interesting. A few surprises here and there, but I didn't feel that any suspenseful moments were really built up, surprises just emerged out of nowhere. Generally a pleasant, weekend/holiday kind of read.
December 20, 2020
Well told story with relatable characters combined with an interesting plot that flows along and offers some interesting twists and surprises. Great "80's period" references with a number of funny, lighthearted moments. All in all, and enjoyable book that keeps the readers attention and was enjoyable to read.
November 16, 2020
A delightful, clever read by a new author for me! Hewes swirled 80’s nostalgia with high school romances, rat pack rides and friendship that stands the test of times. Suspense and mystery covered each page with a coming-of-age for four friends that were tested to help their bro from an abusive father and an unknown murderer. Think Ferris Day Off with a Huckleberry feel!😊💪
January 28, 2021
I loved this book! I especially loved listening to it on Audible. As someone who was in high school in the mid-to-late 80's, the characters felt just like I was transported back in time. Michael Hewes created a compelling mystery with twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat until the very end. I highly recommend this!
December 18, 2021
One of the Best Books I've read this year!
Thank you Robin Roberts for recommending this amazing book on Good Morning America! This has been a unique read and glimpse into the lives of a group of boys that turns unexpectedly hair raising right to the very end. I love that those boys stayed friends for so long!
Thank you Robin Roberts for recommending this amazing book on Good Morning America! This has been a unique read and glimpse into the lives of a group of boys that turns unexpectedly hair raising right to the very end. I love that those boys stayed friends for so long!
November 18, 2020
Whoop!
Whew, what a great story!
I was totally caught up start to finish.
Loved the characters.
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Whew, what a great story!
I was totally caught up start to finish.
Loved the characters.
X
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February 16, 2022
Surprisingly good. I live in Alabama and this takes place in Gulfport, MS. I'm always looking for good southern authors and I really like this guy.
May 14, 2023
A nostalgic thriller that flips the script more than once. I enjoyed it!
June 24, 2021
Discovered this treasure in a local Gulfport bookshop near my parents. I loved the cover art and the synopsis! The friendships, plot twists, and nostalgic 80’s vibe was so so good! Secretly hoping this gets turned into a movie 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
May 15, 2020
Really enjoyable,nostalgic look back on high school,friendships,girlfriends,parties...
Oh yes,and then the murder,mayhem and money laundering.
Got to be honest,I could have done without the crime and just read about this group of boys for a while longer.
But the crime added tension,and questions as to who and why ,so I can't complain.
The last page left me with a smile.
Cracking little read.
Oh yes,and then the murder,mayhem and money laundering.
Got to be honest,I could have done without the crime and just read about this group of boys for a while longer.
But the crime added tension,and questions as to who and why ,so I can't complain.
The last page left me with a smile.
Cracking little read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 31, 2021
Great story line
After the first few chapters The Milk Wagon was almost impossible to out down. Twist and turns with just enough story to keep you wondering what could possibly happen next to this group of high schoolers.
After the first few chapters The Milk Wagon was almost impossible to out down. Twist and turns with just enough story to keep you wondering what could possibly happen next to this group of high schoolers.
May 2, 2020
A great twisty-turny thriller with a healthy dose of 80s nostalgia. You'll be reminiscing about your own youth while trying to figure out what's coming next! Another great book from Michael Hewes!
July 29, 2021
Unputdownable
Not my usual type of book. That being said, there was a hook in this, and I was just along for the ride. I'm unable to clarify how engrossing this story was, or how beautifully written. One of my favorite books ever!
Not my usual type of book. That being said, there was a hook in this, and I was just along for the ride. I'm unable to clarify how engrossing this story was, or how beautifully written. One of my favorite books ever!
June 6, 2020
Wow. What can I say about this book... It picked me up, transported me straight to 80s high school America and swaddled me in nostalgia and excitement. Stranger Things crosses with The Goonies and lands in The Milk Wagon.
This story follows a group of high school friends on their coming of age journey through what should be a typical year at school. You have the rich kid who never wants for anything, the kid whose parents feed the boy's friends like she's convinced they're being starved at home, the football meathead, the constantly obsessed by sex kid, and the quiet secretive new one who is clearly having a tough time at home. We follow their journey into being interested in girls, the homecoming weekend and the social calendar highlight of St. John's version of their school prom.
This however turns out not to be the normal year at school they all assumed it would be, when they get dragged in to investigating a shady underground money laundering plot, in an attempt to help one of their gang with his ever increasing troubles at home. Assisted along the way by the help of The Milk Wagon of course.
This story has all the nostalgia and friendship of Stranger Things, with the excitement from The Goonies, and the fear from The Godfather thrown in for measure. There are plenty of 80s cultural references on every page. You can hear the 80s in the music references, taste the 80s in the fast food references, see the 80s in their clothes and feel the 80s in their long cord telephone conversations and Star Wars references. It made me nostalgic for an era I didn't even get to grow up in.
I sailed through this book, absolutely captured in the story. It was one of those rare delights of a book that I found so super easy to read, I'd read half the book before I'd realised. That is not to say there wernt twists on the journey though. The whole story, you can feel the lead up to something. When that time comes it is edge of the seat excitement and the build has been worth it. At chapter 22 I had a moment and thought OMG this is it. At chapter 29 I shot out my chair. But..the end though... Ah the end.... There wasn't just a twist, but a series of twists all jumping together to create the perfect finale.
This was such an enjoyable read and written so well. I hope The Milk Wagon recieves the attention and noteriety it deserves. Excuse me while I shuffle back to the disappointment of 2020..
This story follows a group of high school friends on their coming of age journey through what should be a typical year at school. You have the rich kid who never wants for anything, the kid whose parents feed the boy's friends like she's convinced they're being starved at home, the football meathead, the constantly obsessed by sex kid, and the quiet secretive new one who is clearly having a tough time at home. We follow their journey into being interested in girls, the homecoming weekend and the social calendar highlight of St. John's version of their school prom.
This however turns out not to be the normal year at school they all assumed it would be, when they get dragged in to investigating a shady underground money laundering plot, in an attempt to help one of their gang with his ever increasing troubles at home. Assisted along the way by the help of The Milk Wagon of course.
This story has all the nostalgia and friendship of Stranger Things, with the excitement from The Goonies, and the fear from The Godfather thrown in for measure. There are plenty of 80s cultural references on every page. You can hear the 80s in the music references, taste the 80s in the fast food references, see the 80s in their clothes and feel the 80s in their long cord telephone conversations and Star Wars references. It made me nostalgic for an era I didn't even get to grow up in.
I sailed through this book, absolutely captured in the story. It was one of those rare delights of a book that I found so super easy to read, I'd read half the book before I'd realised. That is not to say there wernt twists on the journey though. The whole story, you can feel the lead up to something. When that time comes it is edge of the seat excitement and the build has been worth it. At chapter 22 I had a moment and thought OMG this is it. At chapter 29 I shot out my chair. But..the end though... Ah the end.... There wasn't just a twist, but a series of twists all jumping together to create the perfect finale.
This was such an enjoyable read and written so well. I hope The Milk Wagon recieves the attention and noteriety it deserves. Excuse me while I shuffle back to the disappointment of 2020..
June 14, 2024
Great book. The thrill really seeps in especially in the second half. We read it in school and I had to read ahead. Once you pick it up it’s hard to put it down. from the truth learned by Marty and the dynamic between max and Nate. It really makes for a great story. It is without a doubt in my top 3 book suggestions up there with Harry Potter and the land of stories.
February 6, 2024
3.5 ⭐
Matt, Hop, and Mark have been friends since elementary school. They played ball together, hung out together, and somehow managed to make their way together through the awkward years of high school. Now, they're finally starting to get back on their feet as they prepare to start eleventh grade, but on the first day of school, a new kid named Nate Mayes arrives, and with him, a secret. Once the children discover the horrible truth, they take it upon themselves to try to correct it and, in doing so, set in motion a chain of events that have unexpected and life-altering consequences for everyone.
This coming of age book follows Matt and his friends during the first months of their junior year of high school. Meanwhile, in the same town in southern Mississippi, the FBI is investigating a money laundering ring. Obviously, our protagonists will be somehow related to this investigation. The thriller/coming of age combination makes for a very entertaining read.
The story takes place in 1986 and is full of references to the pop culture of the time. Being a teenager in the 80s myself, this book was a very nice trip down memory lane.
The writing is enjoyable and well-paced, the characters are developed enough for the story to flow coherently. The events are fast and the author creates suspense and intrigue that intensifies as the book reaches its conclusion.
It was an easy, entertaining and endearing read. I think those are great qualities to find in a book.
Matt, Hop, and Mark have been friends since elementary school. They played ball together, hung out together, and somehow managed to make their way together through the awkward years of high school. Now, they're finally starting to get back on their feet as they prepare to start eleventh grade, but on the first day of school, a new kid named Nate Mayes arrives, and with him, a secret. Once the children discover the horrible truth, they take it upon themselves to try to correct it and, in doing so, set in motion a chain of events that have unexpected and life-altering consequences for everyone.
This coming of age book follows Matt and his friends during the first months of their junior year of high school. Meanwhile, in the same town in southern Mississippi, the FBI is investigating a money laundering ring. Obviously, our protagonists will be somehow related to this investigation. The thriller/coming of age combination makes for a very entertaining read.
The story takes place in 1986 and is full of references to the pop culture of the time. Being a teenager in the 80s myself, this book was a very nice trip down memory lane.
The writing is enjoyable and well-paced, the characters are developed enough for the story to flow coherently. The events are fast and the author creates suspense and intrigue that intensifies as the book reaches its conclusion.
It was an easy, entertaining and endearing read. I think those are great qualities to find in a book.
June 14, 2020
The Milk Wagon is an 80's throwback story that also involves a great mystery tale about a new kid with a shady family. It reads almost like the author started writing two different novels - a coming of age story about growing up in South Mississippi in the 80's, and a legal thriller about dirty pharmacists hiding money overseas - then meshed the two together. Despite that, it still works quite well.
The story begins with a small group of friends getting ready for school to begin when a new kid comes along and shakes things up. He's from a wealthy family, lives in a huge house out in the country, and his father is a bit pyscho. As things unfold, this new kid tries desperately not to involve his new friends in his family's seedy side business dealings, of which he knows next to nothing, but pretty soon they all finds themselves in danger when law enforcement closes in.
I very much enjoyed this book and the early 80's period. Hewes provides a constant soundtrack by mentioning various songs and artists throughout, and it really helps establish the setting. The tone shifts a bit between focusing on the teenagers and jumping back and forth between the lighthearted growing up stuff versus the criminal sideplot, but it all slowly meshes together well. It's definitely worth a read, especially if you're from the MS Gulf Coast.
The story begins with a small group of friends getting ready for school to begin when a new kid comes along and shakes things up. He's from a wealthy family, lives in a huge house out in the country, and his father is a bit pyscho. As things unfold, this new kid tries desperately not to involve his new friends in his family's seedy side business dealings, of which he knows next to nothing, but pretty soon they all finds themselves in danger when law enforcement closes in.
I very much enjoyed this book and the early 80's period. Hewes provides a constant soundtrack by mentioning various songs and artists throughout, and it really helps establish the setting. The tone shifts a bit between focusing on the teenagers and jumping back and forth between the lighthearted growing up stuff versus the criminal sideplot, but it all slowly meshes together well. It's definitely worth a read, especially if you're from the MS Gulf Coast.
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