READERS' COMMENTS

Quirky, memorable secondary characters, a protagonist as good as Sandford's Virgil Flowers, and loads of dry humor will take you on a ride you won't easily forget. It's been a long time since I've read a book that kept me up late, but The Grave on Peckerwood Hill's one of them. I especially enjoyed the banter between Eastman and Doc Page, and couldn't get enough of Ester, Brite, Poco and Bad Hair. The culminating scene had me flipping the pages as fast as I could, and as soon as I thought I'd figured out what was what...it wasn't. I sincerely hope the author's working on a sequel.
DVB on the West Coast

I finished your book. Wow. It was great, my Texas friend. The ending was certainly a surprise, but I liked it. It just fit. After reading it, you just kinda felt it was what should have happened. Good job! (So has Mr. Texas Ranger figured out what those brown things are yet?) And when is the second one coming out? Hmmmmm?
Donalie Beltran, Wichita, KS author of Murder Is A Family Affair, to be released in Nov., 2013

Mr. Vineyard has written a captivating cop thriller/mystery in a modern day setting surrounded by true Texas history. The characters have a real Texas flare. Sometimes scary, sometimes crazy, and sometimes down right laugh out loud funny - this novel is a page turner from beginning to end. Can't wait for the sequel.
Darlene H., Weatherford, TX

The author’s background in law enforcement work shows up in the Tom Clancy-like descriptions of police procedures and weapons. The authenticity of his narrative lends confidence in Vineyard’s expertise throughout the novel.
     The Grave on Peckerwood Hill is a fast read at 440 pages, but enhanced by the need to keep turning pages. You won’t be disappointed in the ending or the way Vineyard leaves open the opportunity for another novel with these characters. This book is an altogether most satisfying five star entertainment. I recommend it to all adults who enjoy a romping good read.
Taken from a revue by Walter Danley, author of  The Tipping Point (A Wainwright Mystery)

Engaging characters bring to mind the best of Elmore Leonard, or Cormac McCarthy with a more humane, and humorous mien. Readers who like mysteries, thrillers, and westerns will appreciate the gentle good will of Charlie Eastman coupled with multi-layered action in a county where history runs deep. 
L.A., Oklahoma, TX

New Charlie Eastman mystery is terrific. I bought this book for my Kindle and I couldn't put it down because every time I thought I knew where the story was going, it took off in another direction. It is an absorbing mystery that starts with the murder of two young boys in west Texas, but that's only one of the plots. There is so much more. The characters are amazingly believable and the dialogue is dead-on and full of black humor. You will find yourself re-reading chapters because you don't want it to end. There's a bizarre art collection, Nazi criminals, drug dealing, and it's all intertwined with some forgotten disasters that are a real part of Texas' history. This book has it all. It is fast-paced, absorbing, lethal, and above all, creative. Well done, Mr. Vineyard. Bring on the sequel! 
Harry, Austin, TX

Cormac McCarthy, with humor and depth. In this novel, Vineyard blends the subjects of orphan trains, the New London school explosion, a Texas sculptor, and a symbolic spear with well-drawn, humorous characters to give readers an exciting ride through idiosyncratic west Texas. 
    Protagonist Charlie Eastman is tricked by elderly Ester Pirtle into taking an assignment to find her brother. Ultimately, Eastman must race against a group of conscienceless killers to reunite Ester with her brother. Yet Ester and her brother are not the innocents they first appear to be.
Description amplifies the scenes with phrases such as "the Roman Coliseum under two moons." 
    Vineyard's professional experience provides you-are-there authenticity.
    Charlie Eastman's wary attitude makes the reader anticipate each scene between him and the town's doctor.
    Vineyard's writing echoes the laconic poetry of Hemingway and McCarthy. His novel sweeps readers along at such a pace it is difficult to believe this is his first book. Mystery, western, and noir readers will all enjoy it.
L. Starks, Dallas, TX

Unexpected Fun! I had not read anything by this author, but the catchy title and setting nudged me to risk five bucks on the download. I must admit, because it was only available as a download my expectations were not high, but after a few pages they rose in anticipation of the next plot twist. Full of colorful characters, amusing scenes, and a genuine mystery, the pace of the writing earns it the label "page turner". I'm looking forward to the next yarn by this very imaginative and entertaining writer. 
T. Kozlowski, Dallas, TX

I loved this book. The characters were likeable and interesting. And it was good to read a book about Texas where the characters didn't talk like hicks. I will definitely read his next book.
Lana M., Southlake, TX

I enjoyed The Grave on Peckerwood Hill and will read it again because I'm sure some things blew by me. Having lived in Texas for a while helped me visualize some of the places. It reminded me of the books that Hillerman wrote about the area we worked in New Mexico. It's fun to read about places you've been or experienced.
Lou T., Littleton, CO

For my friends and family: I just finished The Grave on Peckerwood Hill by James Gary Vineyard, a great book that incorporates the 1937 New London School explosion into a mystery set in Texas. The book is fiction and some of the facts were superbly manipulated to create a past for the characters. The characters themselves are humorous and come to life. In one of my favorite parts, I could almost see old Ester Pirtle pumping a rake in the air victoriously and yelling, “Nine seconds under,  Billy Boy.” I’m not here to promote the book, just let you know I’ve added it to my favorites list. The fact that the New London Tea Room and Museum were mentioned heightened my interest, and then the writing and little old Ester hooked me. I can’t wait for the sequel.
Christie H., Garland, TX

Thank you. My mom loved getting a signed copy.  – Christie

A great read. Vineyard's book is a well-written, engaging story filled with plot twists and colorful characters. His dialogue is dead-on, West Texas lingo, and his descriptive language and subtle humor make for a thoroughly enjoyable read. Looking forward to more from this author.
Arthur R. Bauer, Fort Worth, TX

As an avid mystery/thriller book addict, I find James Gary Vineyard’s new novel on par with those written by Vince Flynn, Tim Green and James Patterson. Character Charlie Eastwood stands with the best of mystery/thriller investigators. The Grave on Peckerwood Hill is one of those can’t put it down books with more twists, forks and turns than the Trinity River. A touch of real history entwined with the imagination of Vineyard makes this a must read. I can see a movie with Dennis Quaid or Kevin Costner in the role of Charlie Eastman.
Jim H., Irving, TX

Didn't want it to end.  Great characters, fast-paced action, conspiracy theories, suspense and dark humor. The story is engaging and funny with turns and twists you never see coming. I loved the charaters and was so entertained and entrenched that I didn't want it to end. 
Lisa, Plano, TX

I just finished your book. It is great. Hope you are thinking about the next one.  I knew you wrote it because before page eighty, you had mentioned Walmart twice.  Then there is the big Indian who drank too much, and Quatro, Cinco, Siete and Ocho.  You have some really colorful characters and didn’t spoon-feed the reader.
RGH, Rockwall County, TX