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Deep Into the Weeds
A lot can happen in the middle of nowhere!
Preston McPherson thought he could save his troubled dairy farm by growing marijuana, but his problems were only just beginning.
With the help of his brother-in-law and local police sergeant, Fergus Becker, he signs an agreement with a cannabis distributor, Green Fields, but money is still tight. When a greenhouse break-in sends Preston deeper into the red, Fergus-- not exactly a model cop--comes up with a scheme to sell marijuana illegally to a drug dealer.
Over time, Preston sets up a secret grow-op, launders the proceeds, and becomes involved in robbery and even murder. At the same time, he needs to bluff his way through government inspections, deal with a local group of women bible-thumpers who are picketing his farm, address the growing demands from the drug peddler, and stay one step ahead of the persistent small-town cop who has been investigating a series of local crimes. If any of them catch up with him, Preston risks losing his farm, going to jail, or being found floating at the bottom of a lake with cement shoes.
Preston McPherson thought he could save his troubled dairy farm by growing marijuana, but his problems were only just beginning.
With the help of his brother-in-law and local police sergeant, Fergus Becker, he signs an agreement with a cannabis distributor, Green Fields, but money is still tight. When a greenhouse break-in sends Preston deeper into the red, Fergus-- not exactly a model cop--comes up with a scheme to sell marijuana illegally to a drug dealer.
Over time, Preston sets up a secret grow-op, launders the proceeds, and becomes involved in robbery and even murder. At the same time, he needs to bluff his way through government inspections, deal with a local group of women bible-thumpers who are picketing his farm, address the growing demands from the drug peddler, and stay one step ahead of the persistent small-town cop who has been investigating a series of local crimes. If any of them catch up with him, Preston risks losing his farm, going to jail, or being found floating at the bottom of a lake with cement shoes.
201 pages, Paperback
Published May 25, 2022
3 people are currently reading
13 people want to read
About the author
Willie Handler
9 books48 followersWillie Handler has reinvented himself on several occasions throughout his work career. He has been a hospital administrator, a government policy manager, an insurance expert, and consultant. Following his retirement from the government, Willie began a writing career. He has published three fiction novels over the past few years. His latest book is a memoir focusing on growing up as a child of Holocaust survivors.
Willie is active in Toronto’s Holocaust second generation and third generation survivor community, participating in educational programs, commemorative events, and group discussions. He is also a volunteer at the Toronto Holocaust Museum, where he assists students and visitors as they make their way through the museum’s gallery. Willie has spoken online and at in-person events on the Holocaust and his family’s experience. He is currently working on a book dealing with generational trauma in descendants of Holocaust survivors.
Willie is active in Toronto’s Holocaust second generation and third generation survivor community, participating in educational programs, commemorative events, and group discussions. He is also a volunteer at the Toronto Holocaust Museum, where he assists students and visitors as they make their way through the museum’s gallery. Willie has spoken online and at in-person events on the Holocaust and his family’s experience. He is currently working on a book dealing with generational trauma in descendants of Holocaust survivors.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
April 26, 2022
Ever wonder what would happen if your way of life, your livelihood, your family’s legacy suddenly went to pot? Dairy Farmer, Preston McPherson “Mac”, is about to find out. The hard way. When offered a way out, it doesn’t sit well with him. As Mac will tell anybody and everybody, “Don’t forget, agriculture is the backbone of this country. Farmers put up with random weather, pestilence, and pollution to protect our land and ensure that Canadians have fresh, safe, and healthy produce to eat. We have been the economic engine of this country since before Confederation.” Unfortunately for Mac, the world has changed and the only way not to lose his beloved farm, is to go into the Cannabis growing business. What happens next is a series of events that had me on edge. It was like watching dominoes fall, knocking each other down in a winding path of chaos. With witty dialog, down to earth characters, and narrow-minded societal views, I couldn’t wait to read how this would all play out. And wowzer, that ending! Willie Handler (ok, gotta love this name!) is a master story-teller; I zipped through this book and couldn’t turn each page fast enough. On a personal note, I loved the Canadian to Michigan border part of the story, being from Michigan myself! If you enjoy dark humor with grit, determination, backbone, and yes, some idiocy, read this book. It’s fun, fresh, and relevant to what’s going on in the world. Absolutely loved it!
(I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the author. The opinions stated are expressly my own)
(I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the author. The opinions stated are expressly my own)
March 16, 2022
https://www.goodreads.com/review/edit...#
Deep Into the Weeds
Willie Handler, Canadian Humorist and author, has written an entertaining and fast-paced novel with dark comedic overtones.
His “Deep into the Weeds” novel offers the reader compelling family characters who find themselves in increasingly deeper doo doo as they struggle to save their four-generation family business. As with any family, there are disagreements about solutions; but in the end, Mac, the protagonist, has to decide how to save the business. His subsequent decisions lead to unexpected obstacles. Just when Mac solves one crisis, another appears. Think about Walter White in Breaking Bad.
Aiding or resisting Mac’s well-intended efforts include a demented mom, a skeptical spouse, a loyal daughter, an amoral law enforcement brother-in-law, and a not-too bright ranch hand. Adding to this mix, are some crazy town folks, drug dealers, blackmailers, money launderers, and a lovable cow who speaks moo.
The beginning of the family business story led you down one path. By the time you finish, you have traveled a completely different road. But throughout, the humorous instincts of the protagonist allows the reader to enjoy this literary ride. Spoiler alert. The ending will surprise you.
A definite must read to tickle your funny bone while enjoying a mystery/suspense in progress.
Deep Into the Weeds
Willie Handler, Canadian Humorist and author, has written an entertaining and fast-paced novel with dark comedic overtones.
His “Deep into the Weeds” novel offers the reader compelling family characters who find themselves in increasingly deeper doo doo as they struggle to save their four-generation family business. As with any family, there are disagreements about solutions; but in the end, Mac, the protagonist, has to decide how to save the business. His subsequent decisions lead to unexpected obstacles. Just when Mac solves one crisis, another appears. Think about Walter White in Breaking Bad.
Aiding or resisting Mac’s well-intended efforts include a demented mom, a skeptical spouse, a loyal daughter, an amoral law enforcement brother-in-law, and a not-too bright ranch hand. Adding to this mix, are some crazy town folks, drug dealers, blackmailers, money launderers, and a lovable cow who speaks moo.
The beginning of the family business story led you down one path. By the time you finish, you have traveled a completely different road. But throughout, the humorous instincts of the protagonist allows the reader to enjoy this literary ride. Spoiler alert. The ending will surprise you.
A definite must read to tickle your funny bone while enjoying a mystery/suspense in progress.
March 9, 2022
Willie Handler's done his research, and done it well. Not only that, he makes it interesting for the reader: from the ins and outs of a modern dairy farm to the propagation of marijuana plants, we see it through main character Preston's eyes as he explains it all in a simple, natural way... if he's a bit preachy, that's just his way, and we roll our eyes with his companions. It's a delight to watch how what seem start as small-town stereotypes develop real voices and personalities of their own in this cross between a cautionary tale and an anti-hero's journey... by the time I realized that there weren't any 'good guys' left, I just couldn't help rooting for Preston as he gets himself deeper and deeper into the weeds.
This was such a fun read.
I read this as an ARC.
This was such a fun read.
I read this as an ARC.
March 16, 2022
Really took a deep dive into this book. The amount of detail on both dairy farming and cannabis growing drew me in but it was the characters that kept me reading. Despite the humor, I could sense throughout the book just how desperate Mac was to save his family, even as every move he makes to do so leads him deeper into trouble. Some might think his actions exaggerated but I know some struggling farmers and could feel how logical Mac thought it all was. Don’t want to drop into spoiler territory but I felt the ending did just what it needed to.
March 5, 2022
Love love love this book! The characters come to life and everyone can relate to them.( we all have that one person 😑) I couldn’t put it down! It was like riding a hysterical roller coaster and you want to ride again! A great read !! Highly recommend! Not going to give away any spoilers- you must read it!
April 25, 2022
A fast-paced and well-researched journey through the ups and many downs of a family farm trying to cope with change and stay above water, Deep Into the Weeds takes you on a journey that will have you laughing at parts and shouting at the pages in others. You can't help but route for Mac and his family to make it all work despite the obstacles that continuously fall into their path. A fun read!
April 16, 2022
If you've read any of Willie's books before, then you know what's in store! Brilliantly clever writing, witty dialogue, laugh out loud moments and generally a good old romp through a story of a failing farm, a dodgy police officer, and a hilariously great idea to start selling 'weed'. Willie writes with an easy manner, a sharp wit, and a clever way with story telling. I highly recommend this!
April 7, 2022
"Deep Into the Weeds" imagines the adventures of a small town dairy farmer whose financial struggles push him into the new frontier of legalized cannabis in Canada. A hilarious cast of characters and a series of unlikely, but not too unlikely, events keep "Deep Into the Weeds" moving at a swift pace. I got pulled into the story right away and found myself reading furiously as I needed to know how things would turn out for our endearing curmudgeon, Mac, and his farm. It becomes a (dark) comedy of errors as we watch Mac do everything he can to keep his family's legacy alive.
"Deep Into the Weeds" is an entertaining tale of the changing landscape of farming in a country where agriculture has long been one of its primary industries. While mostly just good fun, Handler's story raises some real questions about this changing industry, as well as how we adapt in the face of adversity while holding onto the things we hold precious.
"Deep Into the Weeds" is an entertaining tale of the changing landscape of farming in a country where agriculture has long been one of its primary industries. While mostly just good fun, Handler's story raises some real questions about this changing industry, as well as how we adapt in the face of adversity while holding onto the things we hold precious.
April 4, 2022
When I started reading the book I realized I was in trouble because I knew I was not gonna be able to take my eyes off of it!!! Such a great read!!!
I felt so familiarized with the characters and the way the story evolves, I kinda started caring for them 🤭
The end of the story was something I was not ready for and I think that's the most exciting part, as it's not a cliche.
I highly recommend this book.
I felt so familiarized with the characters and the way the story evolves, I kinda started caring for them 🤭
The end of the story was something I was not ready for and I think that's the most exciting part, as it's not a cliche.
I highly recommend this book.
July 22, 2022
Farmers are the backbone of Canada, ensuring safe and healthy produce to eat. But when dairy farmer Preston McPherson can no longer make ends meet, he must turn to a more lucrative crop. With the aid of his corrupt brother-in-law Sergeant Fergus Becker, Preston converts his family farm into a legal marijuana growing operation. As Norfolk County’s newest cannabis grower, Preston faces a new set of pressures. From the daily protests outside his farm, government inspectors, gangsters, and a cannabis-eating cow, this simple farmer is thrown into a world that leaves him Deep into the Weeds.
From humorist and author Willie Handler comes a biting commentary on the legal marijuana industry. Handler, who hails from Canada, takes a dark turn in his new book that deals with the mishaps of a budding entrepreneur. Preston’s exploits in Ontario feel a bit like a combination of Breaking Bad” and Fargo, complete with everyday absurdity and clumsiness of straddling criminality and its optics. North American readers on either side of the border may appreciate Handler’s characters as they hilariously maintain the overly polite, Tim Horton drinking Canadian stereotypes in the face of difficult scenarios. Handler’s dry satirical style ranges from slightly absurd to laugh-out-loud funny. Deep into the Weeds is bound to grow on you.
This review was originally published at https://manhattanbookreview.com/produ...
From humorist and author Willie Handler comes a biting commentary on the legal marijuana industry. Handler, who hails from Canada, takes a dark turn in his new book that deals with the mishaps of a budding entrepreneur. Preston’s exploits in Ontario feel a bit like a combination of Breaking Bad” and Fargo, complete with everyday absurdity and clumsiness of straddling criminality and its optics. North American readers on either side of the border may appreciate Handler’s characters as they hilariously maintain the overly polite, Tim Horton drinking Canadian stereotypes in the face of difficult scenarios. Handler’s dry satirical style ranges from slightly absurd to laugh-out-loud funny. Deep into the Weeds is bound to grow on you.
This review was originally published at https://manhattanbookreview.com/produ...
May 7, 2022
Ebook Review: DEEP INTO THE WEEDS by Willie Handler
(D) oes
(E) verything
(E) ventually
(P) lummet
( I ) nitially
(N) othing
(T) akes
(O) n
(T) o
(H) ope...
(E) valuate...
(W) hat
(E) rupts
(E) scapes
(D) efining
(S) urreal
DEEP INTO THE WEEDS...
To find what was lost.
Long the path taken...
Decisions made and their consequences.
Once a dairy farmer...
Now into entirely new profession.
What would you do...
Question not easily answered.
It's quite a story...
With lots of interesting surprises.
Rides like roller coaster...
Oh my, here we go!
*************************************************
I received an advance review copy for free,
and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
*************************************************
(D) oes
(E) verything
(E) ventually
(P) lummet
( I ) nitially
(N) othing
(T) akes
(O) n
(T) o
(H) ope...
(E) valuate...
(W) hat
(E) rupts
(E) scapes
(D) efining
(S) urreal
DEEP INTO THE WEEDS...
To find what was lost.
Long the path taken...
Decisions made and their consequences.
Once a dairy farmer...
Now into entirely new profession.
What would you do...
Question not easily answered.
It's quite a story...
With lots of interesting surprises.
Rides like roller coaster...
Oh my, here we go!
*************************************************
I received an advance review copy for free,
and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
*************************************************
August 23, 2022
Just finished and what a read it was. The lead character Mac goes from a dairy farmer living a simple life, not quite making ends meet and turns to the idea of growing cannabis to hold on to his family’s prized possession. Without letting out too many details, what can go wrong inevitably does. Throw in a brother in law who is a cop and not always on the up and up, money laundering, nefarious businessmen, a mother that’s showing dementia signs and a cow for a guard dog and you got the makings of a legit business that spins a destructive read…all in good humor, of course. Chuckles galore and a surprise ending make it a fun read..Highly recommended!
April 30, 2022
I'm a first time reader of Willie Handler, and I received a free advance copy of this book: boy, oh boy, am I glad I did! It starts slowly, with all the (too real) problems of a Canadian dairy farmer... seemed like a bummer at first, but then the "fun" starts!! It made me laugh out loud so much that my family were looking at me with stink eyes, because they were startled by me laughing so hard.
I heartily recommend this book, it really is worth the read!
(Meanwhile, I'm gonna look for his other books 📚) 👍
I heartily recommend this book, it really is worth the read!
(Meanwhile, I'm gonna look for his other books 📚) 👍
November 26, 2022
For this reader who lived the first 12 years of his life within miles of the setting Willie Handler uses for this story, I can attest that he captured the essence of the town folks. He accomplished that feat with humor, lots of humor!
I'm not sure how he became such an expert in the cultivation of cannabis, but Willie demonstrated apparent knowledge that added credible plausibility to his tale.
I found this story a fun read from cover to cover. I've already downloaded "Loved Mars Hated the Food." It looks like another fun read!
I'm not sure how he became such an expert in the cultivation of cannabis, but Willie demonstrated apparent knowledge that added credible plausibility to his tale.
I found this story a fun read from cover to cover. I've already downloaded "Loved Mars Hated the Food." It looks like another fun read!
May 10, 2024
Deep Into the Weeds is an exceptional dive into the mind of a desperate man. I enjoyed the journey and watching how he found a way out of his financial difficulty, unusual as it was. The characters were well defined and so true to life in this situation. I adored Mum. Not knowing what to expect from her made her all that more enjoyable. And Ferg is that character you want to hate but love to have there. I hope there is a sequel to Deep in the Woods, as I want to know what happened after that twist of an ending.
May 13, 2022
A slow start but what a ride! I won't give away a thing but the ending is really something. These characters are well developed and there are some truly touching and laugh out loud moments. Bess was my favorite character from the jump. Her antics will definitely make you love her, but the matriarch runs a close second. Mom is a little nuts but that woman has real heart.
All in all I really liked this novel. It's a rollicking ride that surprises in big ways and I highly recommend it!
All in all I really liked this novel. It's a rollicking ride that surprises in big ways and I highly recommend it!
February 25, 2023
Cheers for the Everyday Man
Loved this book! It ended so perfectly! Made me cheer for the characters who were just wanting to preserve their family history and live their lives. Showed how the world no longer helps everyday people. No empathy from the bank, big businesses taking advantage of their situation, and then the criminal element stepping in too! Backed into a corner with no way out.
Loved this book! It ended so perfectly! Made me cheer for the characters who were just wanting to preserve their family history and live their lives. Showed how the world no longer helps everyday people. No empathy from the bank, big businesses taking advantage of their situation, and then the criminal element stepping in too! Backed into a corner with no way out.
November 20, 2022
I was not impressed by this book. It started okay however about halfway through I began to be concerned the ending would be weak and I was not disappointed in that regard. I feel cheated because the book did not resolve any of the problems that were raised and the main character just suddenly is fatally shot and then about two sentences later the book ends. Nonsense.
June 29, 2022
A great read that will have you questioning just how far you would go to save your family’s farm. As the protagonist, Mac, finds himself getting deeper and deeper into trouble, the reader is left wondering just how he will be able to dig himself out and prevail.
August 2, 2022
I did a full review here: Youtube Review: Deep into the Weeds
Deep into the Weeds is a delightful romp through one man's journey as he willfully ruins his own life. Enjoyable read on a weekend afternoon.
Deep into the Weeds is a delightful romp through one man's journey as he willfully ruins his own life. Enjoyable read on a weekend afternoon.
December 3, 2022
Loved this! It's a 4.5 star book.
The author has a way of sharing the main character's anxiety right down to me feeling the need to grab antacids.
Excellent plot, fabulous pacing, a pet cow, and grandma is a hoot.
The author has a way of sharing the main character's anxiety right down to me feeling the need to grab antacids.
Excellent plot, fabulous pacing, a pet cow, and grandma is a hoot.
February 23, 2023
Review
I loved this story! As I sit here smoking one and laughing at the crazy situations. No matter what he did, he got screwed. The ending was a surprise, didn't see that coming.
I loved this story! As I sit here smoking one and laughing at the crazy situations. No matter what he did, he got screwed. The ending was a surprise, didn't see that coming.
July 19, 2022
A fun, quick read. The immersive narrative and witty, quirky characters are very Fargo-esque. Bravo, author! You've sucked me in again.
April 5, 2022
What an unusual trip! Deep Into the Weeds start simply, then takes the reader on an unexpected thrill ride up to a dramatic ending. The question, "What next?!" will have you reading long Into the night. This is a good one!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews