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Cornbread Mafia #1
Fire In The Hole
Family loyalties and deadly feuds are brought to life in Ninie Hammon’s new intergenerational romp through the history of The Cornbread Mafia in rural Kentucky.
Nobody remembers anymore who started the generations-old feud between the two families of moonshiners and bootleggers. But in 1933 a carload of McCluskys ambushed a carload of Hannackers and six people died. The families would have turned the Kentucky hills scarlet with Hannacker and McClusky blood if four women hadn’t ended the war before it began.
Their “Crow’s Pledge” stopped the killing, but the hatred lived on.
When the county’s National Guard unit is called up thirty-five years later, the Hannackers and McCluskys take their feud to Vietnam with them. It's possible that some of the soldiers who came home in black body bags weren’t killed by the Viet Cong.
After discovering marijuana during the war, both families are determined to grow it in the States, setting them at odds again. But there’s no Crow’s Pledge to stop the bloodshed this time.
Fire In The Hole is the first book in Ninie Hammon's new Cornbread Mafia series, a fictionalized retelling of the real Cornbread Mafia that sprung up in picturesque Marion County, Kentucky, and grew into the largest illegal marijuana-growing operation in U.S. history.
Nobody remembers anymore who started the generations-old feud between the two families of moonshiners and bootleggers. But in 1933 a carload of McCluskys ambushed a carload of Hannackers and six people died. The families would have turned the Kentucky hills scarlet with Hannacker and McClusky blood if four women hadn’t ended the war before it began.
Their “Crow’s Pledge” stopped the killing, but the hatred lived on.
When the county’s National Guard unit is called up thirty-five years later, the Hannackers and McCluskys take their feud to Vietnam with them. It's possible that some of the soldiers who came home in black body bags weren’t killed by the Viet Cong.
After discovering marijuana during the war, both families are determined to grow it in the States, setting them at odds again. But there’s no Crow’s Pledge to stop the bloodshed this time.
Fire In The Hole is the first book in Ninie Hammon's new Cornbread Mafia series, a fictionalized retelling of the real Cornbread Mafia that sprung up in picturesque Marion County, Kentucky, and grew into the largest illegal marijuana-growing operation in U.S. history.
432 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 25, 2021
About the author
Ninie Hammon
49 books241 followersI was born in Socorro, New Mexico, sometime shortly after the earth cooled off. It’s clear that from the outset my parents never intended for me to amount to anything. How could I? With a name like “Ninie?” Please.
Fame and fortune do not come to people named Ninie Bovell (My maiden name.) Gabriella Bovary? You could work with that. Even something as pedestrian as Madeline Bovell or Rebecca Bovell or (though you’d lose points here for lack of originality) Elizabeth Bovell. But Ninie? I never had a chance.
If I sound a mite hostile, bear in mind that in one decisive stroke my parents sentenced their precious newborn daughter to a lifetime of explanations that began my first day at Muleshoe Elementary School. (Yeah, Muleshoe. The hits just keep on coming.) After a painful week, I had a rap down that I still use today:
“No, it’s not Ninnie like skinny and penny. It’s Ninie—rhymes with tiny and shiny. 9e…get it? And no, it doesn’t mean anything, it isn’t short for anything, long for anything, or a substitute for anything. It just is. (Pause here for the inevitable ‘Why?’) You got me, pal, I couldn’t tell you.”
I grew up in Texas, got a BA in English and theatre from Texas Tech University and snagged a job as a newspaper reporter. Didn't know a thing about journalism, but my editor said if I could write he could teach me the rest of it and if I couldn't write the rest of it didn't matter. I hung in there for a 25-year career as a journalist. I wouldn’t have missed it for the world, but as soon as I figured out that making up the facts was a whole lot more fun than reporting them, I never looked back.
Now, I write suspense--every flavor except pistachio: psychological suspense, inspirational suspense, suspense thrillers, paranormal suspense, suspense mysteries.
In every book I write I try to keep this promise to Loyal Reader: I will tell you a story in a distinctive voice you'll always recognize, about people as ordinary as you are--people who have been slammed by something they didn’t sign on for, and now they must fight for their lives. Then smack in the middle of their everyday worlds, those people encounter the unexplainable--and it's always the game-changer."
Fame and fortune do not come to people named Ninie Bovell (My maiden name.) Gabriella Bovary? You could work with that. Even something as pedestrian as Madeline Bovell or Rebecca Bovell or (though you’d lose points here for lack of originality) Elizabeth Bovell. But Ninie? I never had a chance.
If I sound a mite hostile, bear in mind that in one decisive stroke my parents sentenced their precious newborn daughter to a lifetime of explanations that began my first day at Muleshoe Elementary School. (Yeah, Muleshoe. The hits just keep on coming.) After a painful week, I had a rap down that I still use today:
“No, it’s not Ninnie like skinny and penny. It’s Ninie—rhymes with tiny and shiny. 9e…get it? And no, it doesn’t mean anything, it isn’t short for anything, long for anything, or a substitute for anything. It just is. (Pause here for the inevitable ‘Why?’) You got me, pal, I couldn’t tell you.”
I grew up in Texas, got a BA in English and theatre from Texas Tech University and snagged a job as a newspaper reporter. Didn't know a thing about journalism, but my editor said if I could write he could teach me the rest of it and if I couldn't write the rest of it didn't matter. I hung in there for a 25-year career as a journalist. I wouldn’t have missed it for the world, but as soon as I figured out that making up the facts was a whole lot more fun than reporting them, I never looked back.
Now, I write suspense--every flavor except pistachio: psychological suspense, inspirational suspense, suspense thrillers, paranormal suspense, suspense mysteries.
In every book I write I try to keep this promise to Loyal Reader: I will tell you a story in a distinctive voice you'll always recognize, about people as ordinary as you are--people who have been slammed by something they didn’t sign on for, and now they must fight for their lives. Then smack in the middle of their everyday worlds, those people encounter the unexplainable--and it's always the game-changer."
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
February 1, 2024
Great start
Another gripping read by this author. Right from the start the story drew me in and I loved that not only did you know which male was the main character, but the women in this book were strong and held their own too. Definitely worth the read
Another gripping read by this author. Right from the start the story drew me in and I loved that not only did you know which male was the main character, but the women in this book were strong and held their own too. Definitely worth the read
November 14, 2021
My Mind is Still Reeling
I expected good things of this book. After all, it's by one of my favorite authors, and it's based in KY, (AKA-God's Country). The fact that this story would revolve around a fictional account of the factual Cornbread Mafia was a bonus I was not going to overlook. So, I dove in with high expectations.
My expectations were exceeded before I was finished with the first chapter. The actual account of the Cornbread Mafia is staggering. The characters that Ms. Hammon created to bring these events into the light of this millennium take this breathtaking story to heights unimagined. When the characters in a novel become so real that you're genuinely concerned for them, the author has done the exceptional. I've read over three hundred books this year alone, but the Hannakers and McCluskys won't vacate my headspace. Only brilliant writing does that.
That’s when she discovered terror was a magic pitcher. No matter how much you pour out, it’s always full.
I didn't stop to think that this portion of the story would involve so much time in Vietnam, even though it makes perfect sense. Several scenes in this amazing tale simply tore me apart, and many of them were aspects of the war in which my brother and friends fought. I don't mind admitting to a few sleepless nights thanks to this novel.
But the war is only one portion of this story. In point of fact, there were other events within this book that chilled me just as thoroughly. For instance, the Crow's Pledge was the stuff of nightmares, as was the car crash that basically began the feud that lived for decades. Page after page, chapter after chapter, this story ripped me to pieces, then put me back together.
If you've never had the privilege of reading one of Ninie Hammon's novels, I highly recommend starting right here. She is a master of combining fiction with true life events that leave a person reeling. The writing is brilliant, the pacing superb, and the resulting package is purely sublime. This is an absolute must-read. Hands down, one of the top books I've read this year.
I expected good things of this book. After all, it's by one of my favorite authors, and it's based in KY, (AKA-God's Country). The fact that this story would revolve around a fictional account of the factual Cornbread Mafia was a bonus I was not going to overlook. So, I dove in with high expectations.
My expectations were exceeded before I was finished with the first chapter. The actual account of the Cornbread Mafia is staggering. The characters that Ms. Hammon created to bring these events into the light of this millennium take this breathtaking story to heights unimagined. When the characters in a novel become so real that you're genuinely concerned for them, the author has done the exceptional. I've read over three hundred books this year alone, but the Hannakers and McCluskys won't vacate my headspace. Only brilliant writing does that.
That’s when she discovered terror was a magic pitcher. No matter how much you pour out, it’s always full.
I didn't stop to think that this portion of the story would involve so much time in Vietnam, even though it makes perfect sense. Several scenes in this amazing tale simply tore me apart, and many of them were aspects of the war in which my brother and friends fought. I don't mind admitting to a few sleepless nights thanks to this novel.
But the war is only one portion of this story. In point of fact, there were other events within this book that chilled me just as thoroughly. For instance, the Crow's Pledge was the stuff of nightmares, as was the car crash that basically began the feud that lived for decades. Page after page, chapter after chapter, this story ripped me to pieces, then put me back together.
If you've never had the privilege of reading one of Ninie Hammon's novels, I highly recommend starting right here. She is a master of combining fiction with true life events that leave a person reeling. The writing is brilliant, the pacing superb, and the resulting package is purely sublime. This is an absolute must-read. Hands down, one of the top books I've read this year.
November 12, 2021
As usual, once I start reading a Ninie Hammon book I can’t put it down. It didn’t take long to get swept up in this story involving a family feud that lasts for generations. This first book in the Cornbread Mafia series stretches between several generations and allows us to see parallels between what happened in 1935 and 1968. In spite of the continuing feud, unlikely alliances were also formed to fight against a common enemy.
One thing I really liked about this story is that there is a lot of description about the Vietnam War. I was aware of people going over there to fight, but I didn’t really understand what the conditions were like or the day to day life.
Since this is a series, we know more is coming, especially involving some of the soldiers returning from the fight. I am certainly looking forward to the next book in the series.
One thing I really liked about this story is that there is a lot of description about the Vietnam War. I was aware of people going over there to fight, but I didn’t really understand what the conditions were like or the day to day life.
Since this is a series, we know more is coming, especially involving some of the soldiers returning from the fight. I am certainly looking forward to the next book in the series.
November 13, 2021
In true Ninie fashion, we have another thrilling, hold-on-to-your-hat, wild ride of a read! The plot is just fantastic - full of drama, complex characters, complicated situations, and shocking events. No character is 'safe' or 'immune' to difficult situations. I love Ninie's writing style - the characters and events feel so real - they 'come alive', you feel like they are friends/family, and you care about what happens next and how they are affected. I don't want to include any spoilers in my review, so I will conclude by stating that I am very invested in this series and am eagerly awaiting book 2!!
June 29, 2022
Starts our like a Hatfield and McCoy type of story. Various families with farms and cattle disliking each others families. Always trouble of blame somehow.The one part of the story a few sentences spoken about getting revenge on their children was like whoa thats boldly spoken. It also sort of has a 2nd story in it also. After alot of these families boys were sent off to VietNam . It tells about them and how they fought in the war . The details of their journey there. In the end it tells who survived and who came back different then when they went in. Could the families possible find a meeting of the minds finally???
April 13, 2023
War is hell!
I remember the Vietnam conflict very well and I could relate to moonshiners as I grew up in Tennessee. I still have about 25 acres in Van Burn County, TN where the remnants of a still exist near a small creek. The story was enjoyable but the author needs to understand that military members in a war zone do not apply postage to letters. They simply write free in the upper right hand corner of the envelope. The bootlegging of moonshine was several decades before Vietnam even though some people still make moonshine for their own consumption. Overall the book was outstanding!
I remember the Vietnam conflict very well and I could relate to moonshiners as I grew up in Tennessee. I still have about 25 acres in Van Burn County, TN where the remnants of a still exist near a small creek. The story was enjoyable but the author needs to understand that military members in a war zone do not apply postage to letters. They simply write free in the upper right hand corner of the envelope. The bootlegging of moonshine was several decades before Vietnam even though some people still make moonshine for their own consumption. Overall the book was outstanding!
Read
February 13, 2023Great story
I loved this book!! The struggles,the love, the hate and then the Vietnam war..And the homecoming. I cried like a baby when Riley's papa went to the hospital when he got back from Nam, the police escort, the RESPECT shown by the cops. I lost a fiance in the Tet offensive and my best friend,who was in Vietnam in 65-66 when this story takes place came back totally destroyed mentally and was 100% disabled from ptsd. This book hit me in the gut big time.
I loved this book!! The struggles,the love, the hate and then the Vietnam war..And the homecoming. I cried like a baby when Riley's papa went to the hospital when he got back from Nam, the police escort, the RESPECT shown by the cops. I lost a fiance in the Tet offensive and my best friend,who was in Vietnam in 65-66 when this story takes place came back totally destroyed mentally and was 100% disabled from ptsd. This book hit me in the gut big time.
December 19, 2021
Interesting Story
The story is told in two time periods. The present time was specially heart wrenching dealt with the beginning of the Viet Nam war. The second, dealt with the time of Prohibition.The characters and their families were interesting. I liked the first book enough to buy the second, Home Grown.
The story is told in two time periods. The present time was specially heart wrenching dealt with the beginning of the Viet Nam war. The second, dealt with the time of Prohibition.The characters and their families were interesting. I liked the first book enough to buy the second, Home Grown.
June 10, 2026
Oooh wee, it’s good!
This is so good! Couldn’t set it down. I live on the county line. I didn’t grow up here, but I’ve heard stories from many who did. I recognize some of those stories already in this book. Ninie really nailed the spirit of the people here. I’m so looking forward to reading what comes next…
This is so good! Couldn’t set it down. I live on the county line. I didn’t grow up here, but I’ve heard stories from many who did. I recognize some of those stories already in this book. Ninie really nailed the spirit of the people here. I’m so looking forward to reading what comes next…
November 9, 2021
Just plain excellent!
I was drafted during this time and the book brought back many memories. Boy oh boy. Even if you’re a bit younger (or older), you should enjoy this book. The writing is superb as usual.
I was drafted during this time and the book brought back many memories. Boy oh boy. Even if you’re a bit younger (or older), you should enjoy this book. The writing is superb as usual.
January 22, 2022
This was a long book…but the pace was fast. I loved it (as usual) and I hated it (at times). I cried and I sobbed. I put it down and went to rest. All in all, this may be one of 9e's best books. Can't wait to read the next one…I think.
May 8, 2023
Haven't read a book for a long time that I couldn't put down. Can't wait to read the next in the series.
Some of the happenings in the book are still in my head. Very well written and now I have a new favorite author.
Some of the happenings in the book are still in my head. Very well written and now I have a new favorite author.
June 16, 2024
Hammon can tell a story like nobody else. Inspired by true events, this series is about how a group of childhood friends from rural Kentucky grew the biggest weed business in U.S. history decades before medical MJ became a thing.
October 29, 2021
Absolutely fabulous!
This was worth the wait! Absolutely fabulously written, I could not put this book down! I loved it and cant wait for Ninies next book!
This was worth the wait! Absolutely fabulously written, I could not put this book down! I loved it and cant wait for Ninies next book!
November 8, 2021
A must read book
This is the best book I've read in awhile you will laugh you will cry and if you're my age it will bring back things that happened many years back!
This is the best book I've read in awhile you will laugh you will cry and if you're my age it will bring back things that happened many years back!
November 12, 2021
Invested
That’s what I became. Invested in the characters. Can’t wait for book 2.
I love all of Ninie’s book but I think this may be my new favorite series.
That’s what I became. Invested in the characters. Can’t wait for book 2.
I love all of Ninie’s book but I think this may be my new favorite series.
December 3, 2021
Excellent
Excellent book, can't wait for the next in he series to be out. Hope it's sequels in the series is next on Nanie Hammon's project list.
Excellent book, can't wait for the next in he series to be out. Hope it's sequels in the series is next on Nanie Hammon's project list.
July 14, 2022
Amazing
Well written story about the young men in a small Kentucky town who were part of a National Guard unit called up to go to fight in Viet Nam.
Well written story about the young men in a small Kentucky town who were part of a National Guard unit called up to go to fight in Viet Nam.
February 9, 2023
A recommended start to a series
A very good start to a series I look forward to continuing. I highly recommend the book as well as the author.
A very good start to a series I look forward to continuing. I highly recommend the book as well as the author.
March 10, 2023
Must read
Ninie, you did it again! Pulled me into the story with your amazing imagery and use of words! Thank you, so glad to have another wonderful story to read!
Ninie, you did it again! Pulled me into the story with your amazing imagery and use of words! Thank you, so glad to have another wonderful story to read!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews