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Loblolly Mystery #1`

The Town I Call Home

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A gripping, heartwarming portrayal of a son’s loyalty and a father’s undying love.

After his childhood friend is charged with murder and his dad is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, Jackson Taylor walks away from a lucrative Atlanta law career and returns home to the small, southern town of Loblolly.

The case against Jackson’s friend, the son of a state senator, appears to be circumstantial and easily defended, leaving Jackson shocked when his father, a retired county sheriff, insists he stay clear of the case.

Jackson shrugs off the warning as paranoia associated with his dad’s disease. But within days, his winnable case upends when the police discover his father’s fingerprints on the murder weapon.

Jackson suddenly finds himself in the battle of his life against his father’s failing memory, a prosecutor with a hidden agenda, and a judge dead-set on awarding the powerful senator’s son a speedy trial.

295 pages, ebook

Published November 20, 2021

1267 people are currently reading
578 people want to read

About the author

Veronica Mixon

37 books102 followers
Veronica, an Amazon Chart-Topping author, and Florida native has spent the past two decades embracing the beauty of Georgia’s scenic coast, where she realized her lifelong dream of writing mystery and suspense.

Known for her gripping tales that navigate the shadowy depths of Savannah’s haunting allure, Veronica pulls readers into a labyrinth of mystery and suspense, making it impossible to put down her books until the last twist is revealed.

In her downtime, Veronica enjoys a fulfilling life with her husband, her steadfast partner in love and adventure, and their lively Australian Labradoodle, Fiddler.

She can be found at veronicamixon.com

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5 stars
1,643 (57%)
4 stars
901 (31%)
3 stars
279 (9%)
2 stars
28 (<1%)
1 star
11 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
455 reviews5 followers
November 20, 2021
In a story that pulls all the heart strings, Mrs. Mixon deals with the coming home of an adult to the failings of his father and the small town that has it's own secrets. The relationship between Jackson and his father is both heartwarming and her dealing with Alzheimer's and the effects it has on everyone it touches is handled with a grace that is lacking by other authors. In the race to solve the murder and exonerate his friend, Jackson meets many of the people he knew growing up in a new light. Torn loyalties and expectations that are outdated all hamper how Jackson sees things. But in the end he wins the battle. Loblolly is a place I am looking forward to visiting again.
Profile Image for Nora Wolfenbarger.
Author 3 books160 followers
July 29, 2024
A good mystery with a dual story line. The author draws the reader into the challenges of a son learning his father has Alzheimers and the life choices made as a result while chasing down a killer who might be someone very close to him. A little predictable, but an overall good read. NW
Profile Image for Cindy.
266 reviews1 follower
February 22, 2025
I enjoyed, The Town I Called Home, a relatively short (266 pages) mystery, with no sex, bad language or politics. It’s the first in the Loblolly Mystery series. I’ll probably read the others in the series when I just want something quick and easy.
Profile Image for Adrien  Leatherwood.
286 reviews1 follower
May 5, 2024
3.75 Not anything jaw dropping but a nice solid murder investigation. I wouldn’t call it a thriller, more like a mystery? I am definitely going to be reading the next book in the series sometime over summer.
Profile Image for Dave Wheeler.
652 reviews8 followers
November 21, 2021
What I love was page one till the end, Jackson having a boring life working divorce cases for the last 6 months is asked to defend his old friend Ethan changed murdering his Girlfriend with a baseball bat and setting his business on fire. Ethan has powerful parents a Judge and a Senator. So the pressures on and it only gets higher the pressure that is.

So that's the starter and it's going to twist and turn for the next, no make that all the book, a whodunit that is hard to guess and gripping you at every turn. So what is special about this book, its the writing and the Characters Veronica is creative imaginative and true to the culture, so it believable hence a feel of genuine So I didn't have to roll my eyes just sat back read and enjoyed.

Ethan is the spoilt one his brother, Caleb the good one a Deputy Sheriff , Jacksons Dad the former Sheriff now retired struggling with life it's part of the plot so no clues. They all come alive along with a host of others good and bad and plenty in-between. There not a bad thread or page in this great read.

So yes I highly recommend it I loved it as you maybe able to tell and I hope you do, for me is a 5 star no brainer I couldn't put it down and can't wait for my next book from this author Veronica Mixon among my new favourites.
Profile Image for Bill Chee.
56 reviews
November 30, 2021
They say that going home is never easy. Mixed feelings from being glad to see familiar faces, landmarks, and places brings warm memories but at the same time some of these memories foment regrets, past transgressions and thoughts about some things that might have been different in a do-over.

A highly charged and emotional story about an attorney asked to return from a lucrative but uninspiring law firm to defend a childhood friend. The plot has the obligatory roller coaster twists and turns in trying to solve the culprit that really did it while attempting to sort out everyone’s involvement since it’s a typical small town where everyone knows everyone and no secret kept hidden.
It’s a gruelling task trying to uncover the mystery but complicated by his father’s affliction with Alzheimer’s but also with the discovery of his father’s finger prints on the murder weapon.
This story is an excellent read because novels are fiction but when interlaced with the everyday problems encountered in real life such as Alzheimer’s and the heartfelt reactions and the uncertainty in how each person deals with disease, helps to galvanise the effort to work through conflicts together and focus on what’s important.
Profile Image for Robin Sampson.
Author 19 books50 followers
February 22, 2024
"The Town I Call Home," the opening book in the enchanting "Loblolly Series," immediately captivated me with its rich portrayal of small-town life and the intricate tapestry of relationships that define it. Set against the backdrop of Loblolly, a town as endearing as its name suggests, this novel masterfully explores the themes of belonging, friendship, and the rediscovery of one's roots. Among the well-drawn characters, Jackson, the attorney, stood out for his integrity and high moral compass, offering a refreshing depiction of ethical leadership within the community. His character added depth to the storyline and served as a beacon of hope and righteousness, making him particularly memorable.

The author's adept storytelling and the vivid, heartfelt descriptions of Loblolly bring the town to life, imbuing the narrative with warmth and nostalgia. Reading "The Town I Call Home" was like being wrapped in a cozy blanket, offering comfort, laughter, and a gentle reminder of the importance of community and connection. Jackson's admirable qualities highlight the potential for positive impact even in a small town. It's a beautifully written start to what promises to be a captivating series, and I'm eagerly looking forward to the next installment.
1 review1 follower
November 19, 2021
I love Veronica Mixon's books as she really tells a wonderful story with characters that feel like real people and a small town where everyone knew each other in many cases for their whole lives This one is my favorite of all I have read from her. The beautiful and yet somewhat complicated relationship with Jackson and his father, Zachary, the latter of whom has Alzheimer's disease, will tug at your heartstrings as well as make you smile. Jackson is a smart, determined and strong character, and you see glimpses of all of this in Zachary, while at the same time seeing the limitations of his disease and how he has changed.

The central mystery is full of suspence and kept me guessing until it was resolved. I found myself caring about Ethan, Jackson's childhood friend accused of murder, a likeable character, though one very different in terms of personality and life choices from our protagonists.
Profile Image for Barbara Hackel.
2,810 reviews46 followers
November 21, 2021
A superb book that handled a difficult topic brilliantly, incorporating the many facets of Alzheimer's disease into the story. I was especially impressed by the thoughtful way information about the progression and impact of the disease made on everyone involved. was included. But the root if the book is murder and arson.

Jackson Taylor leaves a thriving practice in Atlanta to come back to Loblolly to help his father as Alzheimer's ravages their future together. He also has returned to help his childhood friend, Ethan Benton, fight arson and murder charges.

This is a fast paced, highly emotional story filled with complex issues and interesting characters. The vivid descriptions of people and locations make the reader feel like they are experiencing the story along with Jackson. I had a hard time putting the book down. Definitely not a formula murder book, I loved it and recommend it highly!
64 reviews1 follower
February 13, 2024
So...this is the first book I have read by Veronica Mixon and all of her books get really high ratings, so I was excited to read this. The story was very sweet and poignant, bringing up some themes that we all may deal with in our own lives. I struggled with the rating because while I did enjoy the book, there were some things that didn't ring true for me. I listened to the book and did not realize when I began that it was narrated using AI. It didn't take long for me to realize that I was put off by the cadence of the narrator as well as the mispronunciation of several words. Once I was aware of that fact, I tried to listen differently but found that I was not able to get past that. Going forward, I will probably not choose to listen to a book narrated by AI and will read another of her books to see if I have a different experience.
Profile Image for Cara.
Author 61 books68 followers
November 27, 2021

I loved The Town I Call Home. Terrific mystery, well-developed characters, plot twists. Jackson Taylor, a successful Atlanta lawyer, comes back to his hometown of Loblolly to help defend a childhood friend accused of murder. Jackson has another reason for coming home--his dad has Alzheimer's. and Jackson is worried about him. Ms. Mixon weaves a tale of a son's love interspersed with the deepening mysteries in this quaint little town. Nothing is quite as it seems. Jackson is strong, smart, loving. I read this story quickly because I couldn't put it down. Now, I must read the others in the series.
Profile Image for Judi Haley.
1,347 reviews6 followers
July 18, 2022
When Jackson Taylor learns that his childhood friend is charged with murder, he decides to leave Atlanta and return to his hometown. His father, who was the town sheriff, is suffering from Alzheimer's and Jackson wants to be home to be able to be with his father.

The friend, is the son of a Senator and her husband. They have always been like a second family to him. They have asked Jackson to take the case and he agrees to.

What Jackson is learning, that the friendship might not have been what he imagined and now he is having second thoughts about taking the case especially when his father tells him not to!!

An interesting story with a surprise ending.
1,233 reviews1 follower
June 13, 2024
I enjoyed this book as the first in a series by the author. I've read a few in another series and enjoyed this one more. The main character, Jackson, is dealing with the personal need to return home and spend as much time as possible with his father who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's. There are many heartfelt moments in the book and the author deals with the horrors of the disease with facts and grace. Jackson has to deal also with finding a return to a small hometown is not always what you remembered. This was as much as murder mystery as a thriller. Plenty of legal and investigative work was added to the mix to keep the story interesting. I'm looking forward to book 2.
Profile Image for Suzanne.
131 reviews
November 21, 2021
Be prepared to binge read this book. It is utterly unputdownable!
The more Jackson seeks to find the truth the more intensely the questions and suspense builds. Lives are shattered, secrets once hidden in dark places are exposed, friendships and loyalties are held to account. This murder mystery is so skilfully written that I was immediately hooked. I became a voyeur to Veronica Mixon’s sublime penmanship.
282 reviews1 follower
February 10, 2022
When Jackson's childhood friend is accused of murder in their hometown it's the perfect reason to leave his law practice in the big city and relocate to spend more time with his father who has alzheimers. Unfortunately not all is as it seems. As secrets are revealed, unraveling this case and clearing his friend may just lead to more deaths. A great whodunit with small town appeal and several lovable characters.
1,095 reviews2 followers
September 7, 2023
My rating is actually a 3.75. I enjoyed this novel-the first in the author’s Pine County/Loblolly series. Set in a South Georgia town -a young Atlanta attorney returns home to care for his Alzheimer’s-afflicted father. While home he’s drawn into a criminal case involving old acquaintances. A fast -paced novel and an easy read. Especially enjoyed the relationship between father and son. Recommend it.
Profile Image for Shari.
Author 2 books42 followers
September 18, 2024
Wow!! What a great book! I’m giving this bad-boy 4.5 stars!! It was incredible, well written, got right to the point and BOOM!! Very well thought out and it was so refreshing to read a story WITHOUT dual perspectives or timelines! The story started at the beginning and went in chronological order to the end. I flew through this book, reading 25% in the first sitting and devouring the last 75% in one sitting! I couldn’t put it down!
120 reviews
May 4, 2025
This was a decent story . I was put off at first because of some poor editing.
The cover of the book has the correct namr."The town I call home ".but the spine says "The town call home".
I went in not expecting
much but it surprised me.
I liked the characters ( although maye a few too many) and I can see how this is a setting for further books in a series.
Will I read another? maybe but not right away.
57 reviews
September 23, 2022
Excellent read

Good story, good characters, suspense levels that rise and fall and keep you glued to the pages. Books like this are the reason I'm abandoning cozies and going for police novels. Has the atmosphere, a bit, of a cozy, but without the stupidity of amateurs who withhold evidence because they feel they've been insulted by the real professionals.
43 reviews1 follower
January 23, 2023
a good read

I grew up in South Georgia and attended college at Valdosta State. I know that this is fiction but it brought back memories of small town living and the people of South Georgia. This is an interesting and well written mystery and the characters for the most part are well developed. I look forward to trying another in this series.
4 reviews
April 19, 2023
Good reading!

Since I wasn’t familiar with the author, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but the author surprised me. She developed the characters and the story very well and kept the suspense building. There were a couple of “red herrings” that added to it and the twist near the end helped finish it. I’ll read this author again. Thanks.
Profile Image for Charlene.
1,284 reviews39 followers
November 21, 2021
this book captured me on the the very first page. Small town secrets, murder and mayhem, lots of twists and turns, danger and interesting and complex characters. This is a real page turner and a must read!
49 reviews1 follower
March 10, 2022
Veronica Nixon does it again!!!!

I have always loved the way Mrs. Nixon 's stories start and end. She catches you in the beginning and holds you til the end. And nothing is better than a mystery in a small town.
24 reviews1 follower
March 29, 2022
Gave up

May have been a great book, don't know.
Couldn't get past the fact that the author didn't know who the judge was,
Larson / Lawson???? Too many editing errors, I gave up reading it.
283 reviews2 followers
April 1, 2022
This author grabs and hold your interest, and this story was no exception. I would have given this book a 5 star review had it not contained the use of the Lord's name. This did not add to the telling, and in my opinion actually was a subtraction.
Profile Image for Betty Sue Moore.
19 reviews
May 13, 2022
Determined lawyer!

Loved this book. Kept me reading for hours. I would have read it in a single day but my eyes wouldn't stay open. Looking forward to reading more from this author.
728 reviews6 followers
August 7, 2022
A Good Book

I enjoyed reading this novel. It was suspenseful and kept the reader guessing. I also appreciated the well developed characters.
The book is actually free of obscenities which is refreshing. I recommend it.
77 reviews1 follower
August 11, 2022
Small Town Suspense

I really enjoyed this book! The characters were real to life and the story line had some great twists to keep the reader interested and guessing who committed the murder! Great read!
65 reviews
August 13, 2022
I love her books

Don't plan on getting much done till you finish this one. It keeps you turning the pages . I just bought book two. I think Ill get some chores done before I start it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews

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