Missing Isaac

Written by Valerie Fraser Luesse

Narrated by Kevin R. Free

When a black field hand disappears, a wealthy white boy he has befriended sets out to find him. But Pete McLean discovers more than he bargained for--including unexpected love and difficult truths about race and class in 1960s Alabama. There was another South in the 1960s, one far removed from the marches and bombings and turmoil in the streets that were broadcast on the evening news. It was a place of inner turmoil, where ordinary people struggled to right themselves on a social landscape that was dramatically shifting beneath their feet. This is the world of Valerie Fraser Luesse's stunning debut, Missing Isaac. It is 1965 when black field hand Isaac Reynolds goes missing from the tiny, unassuming town of Glory, Alabama. The townspeople's reactions range from concern to indifference, but one boy will stop at nothing to find out what happened to his unlikely friend. White, wealthy, and fatherless, young Pete McLean has nothing to gain and everything to lose in his relentless search for Isaac. In the process, he will discover much more than he bargained for. Before it's all over, Pete--and the people he loves most--will have to blur the hard lines of race, class, and religion. And what they discover about themselves may change some of them forever.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc.
• Release date: Jan 2, 2018
• ISBN: 9781501966002

Valerie Fraser Luesse

Valerie Fraser Luesse is the bestselling author of Missing Isaac, Almost Home, The Key to Everything, and Under the Bayou Moon. She is an award-winning magazine writer best known for her feature stories and essays in Southern Living, where she recently retired as senior travel editor. Specializing in stories about unique pockets of Southern culture, Luesse received the 2009 Writer of the Year award from the Southeast Tourism Society for her editorial section on Hurricane Katrina recovery in Mississippi and Louisiana. A graduate of Auburn University and Baylor University, she lives in Birmingham, Alabama, with her husband, Dave.

Reviews for Missing Isaac

[c ynthia · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A great book of love between all people. Must read

[Amy Acklen · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Wonderful book! The author artfully depicts southerners in the most authentic way I’ve ever experienced. No stereotypical exaggeration, just southerners—pure, frank, direct, unpretentious. The characters are all so colorful and relatable without being overdone. Refreshing!

[brewergirl · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This was an enjoyable read about a young boy growing up in the South in the 1960s. His father dies, and Pete remains close to Isaac, a field hand who grew up with his father. When Isaac goes missing, Pete spends years trying to find out what happened to him. Along the way we learn meet and learn about his friend Dovey, his mother, his grandfather, and others in the community.

[m.belljackson · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Evocative and easy going smooth paced dialogue highlights the story of Pete,a young man whose father and best friend, Isaac, are both gone from him within a very short time.One meets a terrible accidental death and the other remains a mystery pursued through the book.Despite that Isaac, Pete's father, and most of the main characters veer into too good to be true,the book delivers many page-turning chapters.Pete's adventures carry the sadness of the plot into the challenges of unexpected early love and a lot of hard work.The story falters at The Pig Wells. Though both Pete and Dovey are only around thirteen, they are country wiseand surely would have immediately seen that there were neither footprints nor signs of something being dragged or thrownover the wells. Unlike the build-up, the predictable cave in and rescue felt really contrived.The families' town of Glory, so close to Birmingham, Alabama, is strangely and totally unaffected by the historical changesmarked by the violence of The Marches, Dr. King. terror, the evolution of Civil Rights and all the 60s assassinations.As well, on their many and various trips to Birmingham, did no one, Black or White, ever meet any African Americans who did NOTspeaking dialect? And none who called themselves other than "colored?"One might further envision how differently the story would have gone if Daddy Ballard's last tenants had been Black and if Rich White Folks weren't forever saving the day for everyone.Missing Isaac is ultimately a good love story in many directions!

[kdabra4 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This was a win from LibraryThing.com for my honest (albeit late) review. Missing Isaac takes place in Glory, Alabama, during the mid 1960s when the country was exploding with racial strife, war protests, and political assassinations. Glory seems gloriously untouched by most of this news, which may be what I felt was missing from a book that is tagged as historical fiction (as well as Christian fiction).Pete McLean is the only child of a wealthy widowed farm wife, with Isaac being their black hired man and closest thing to best friend. His grandfather Daddy Ballard is now his father figure. Isaac goes missing following a card game and Pete takes it pretty hard, but his efforts to find out what happened (since the authorities aren't doing anything) are eventually forbidden for his own safety. After that it's up to Daddy Ballard to put his money to good use in trying to find Isaac.The beginning of the book had me absorbed in the richly visual descriptions of the area, where the hired black folk and the poor live in harmony with the Ballard/McLean family on land owned by Daddy Ballard. There are a couple of bad characters thrown into the mix. As it progressed, I enjoyed Pete gaining a new unlikely friend named Dovey, and their relationship is sweet (but not overly so). The main characters are all really nice people, and niceness can wear thin on this reader, but they were also likeable and interesting if not somewhat unbelievable.I did not know this was Christian fiction going into it, but it actually was pretty good. I liked it overall, but the first half grabbed me more than the second. My main complaint would be that the Ballard money was the solution to almost every obstacle that presented itself, which seemed like an easy out whenever the plot thickened. Marginal thumbs up.

[darcia_10 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Valerie Fraser Luesse has a captivating writing style. With minimal words, she paints us a picture that places us right in the midst of the characters' world. The dialogue is exceptional, giving a strong sense of realism to the story.But I didn't love the story as much as I thought I would. Given the title and the book's description, I expected Isaac's disappearance to be a major part of the story. In truth, his disappearance only casts a vague shadow throughout most of the book. In fact, Pete wasn't even the character largely responsible for pursing answers. This is far more a coming of age story, as we watch Pete grow from a child to a young adult. Most of the story follows Pete's childhood crush growing into full-blown love. While heartfelt and well told, coming of age stories just aren't my thing.The undercurrent of racism and class separation is handled well. We see how black people and poor white families were ostracized from the community, albeit in different ways. I do think these issues were slightly sugar-coated, which largely came down to characterization. The "good" characters were almost too good, never struggling with their moral high ground, and never backing down or giving in to any sort of peer pressure. The other characters weren't so much bad as they were products of their time. The book's description makes the claim that the characters discover things about themselves that may change them forever. I didn't get much sense of that happening, at least not in relation to the outcome of Isaac's disappearance.My problem, in short, is that taking Isaac completely out of this story would change very little. Putting aside the expectations of Isaac's character having a central role, this is a well told story about a young boy growing into a man during difficult times.*I received a copy from BookishFirst in exchange for my honest review.*

[nancyadair-1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Missing Isaac is a vivid portrait of a community in the 1960s South, concentrating on the story of a boy growing up and learning about class, love, family, faith, and community.In the opening scene Pete's father has died in an accident; his field hand Isaac tried to save him. Isaac befriends Pete; later he disappears.I expected Isaac's story to be the main one, but instead it is placed on the back burner while we watch Pete grow up. Looking for Isacc, Pete meets a girl from an isolated family group who stay away from town folk. The children secretly meet, but when found out their parents cooperate to monitor the children's relationship, expecting that come puberty it will blossom into something more than friendship.In the end, the mystery of missing Isaac is revealed. He did not fall victim to the KKK, but to something more insidious.The novel is nostalgic and idyllic, showing the best of the community but also revealing the evil that hides behind careful facades. I am not used to reading Christian books and the scenes in church worship seemed uneventful. The vilification of town youth culture and the division between the Hollow folk and town folk were definitely us vs them terriroty. Racism was barely lurking in the background, as Pete's family respect all people, regardless of color or class, as equals. Pete and Dovey are too sweet and their long courtship is very respectful--but they marry ASAP. I had friends who believed in courtship and whose children married too young; one was divorced within a year. The problem of course is that young adults want more than pristine kisses, lust into marriage, and discover they are not prepared for reality. Still, for readers who want old-fashioned values and a story with no graphic violence, sex, profanity, this is a lovely book. It is what my mother-in-law wanted to read when she was in her 90s.I received a free book from Bookish First in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.

[susan0316 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is a coming of age novel set in the South in the 1960s. It has everything in it that makes a novel great - well done characters, mystery, love and family. This is a debut for this author and I am looking forward to her next book based on how well I liked this one.The novel starts in 1962, when 11 year old Pete loses his father in a farming accident. One of the workers on the farm, Isaac, tries to fill in for Pete's dad when he can - taking him fishing and sharing life lessons with him. Isaac had been Pete's dad best friend which went against the beliefs of the day since Pete's Dad was white and Isaac was black. Color didn't matter to Pete or his dad and they both enjoyed their time with Isaac. One day Isaac just disappears and Pete spends years trying to find out what happened to him. While, he is searching, he meets Dovey, a poor unschooled girl from the wrong side of town who becomes his best friend.I loved the two main characters of Pete and Dovey - they were both very well written and very real - flaws and all. This is a beautiful well written story about prejudice and life in the south during this period in our history. The story is mostly upbeat end well worth reading.Thanks to Bookish Firsts for a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own.

[iadam-2 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I received a free e-copy of this book and have chosen to write an honest and unbiased review. I have no personal affiliation with the author. Wow! This is a winner, the best book that I’ve read so far this year, very emotional and heart touching. This author has a way of writing that made my soul cry. ‘Missing Isaac’ is a very well written historical novel with a great plot, and extremely well developed and complex characters. The McCleans and Ballards are extremely kind, generous, caring, and nondiscriminatory as they interact with neighbors, friends, and employees. The setting is the 1960’s south, a time of upheaval and unrest in the United States. I couldn’t put it down; the story grabbed me and wouldn’t let go. I found myself reading until the wee hours of the morning. This is a wonderful story that everyone should read. I look forward to reading more from Valerie Fraser Luesse in the future.

[kathl33n-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I enjoyed this book so much and I can't really put my finger on exactly why. The writing was done really well and the plot had a little bit of everything - tragedy, murder, mystery, young love, found love - but I think it was how well drawn the characters were that really endeared me to this story. The author has a easy talent at creating characters that are instantly familiar without ever forcing anything on the reader. Each of the characters in the book were given the same amount of fluid and thoughtful attention by the author. This attention gave them the ability to seamlessly drift through the entirety of the story, weaving themselves in and out of the plot and in and out of each others lives without ever leaving anyone behind. Each time a character came back into the forefront it was like seeing an old friend. It's been a long time since I have thought a book was too short, but when I got to the end of this one I could have had much more the stories these characters have. Thank you to the publisher and Bookish for providing me with an advanced copy of this book.

[khiemstra631 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Missing Isaac begins with the death of young Pete McLean's father in an accident in one of his cotton fields. Isaac, a black field hand, who was a friend and employee of Pete's father, takes over part of the fathering of Pete. Pete's grandpa Ned does the rest. Isaac frequently takes Pete to a local bbq joint, normally patronized only by black families, as well as fishing and dispenses lots of wisdom to Pete. Not far into the story, Isaac disappears without a trace, and Pete makes it his life's mission to find out what happened to his friend. Along the way he unexpectedly falls in love, learns a lot about life, watches his mother fall in love and finds a way to honor Isaac's memory for years to come. Eventually the mystery of what happened to Isaac is revealed. The book reads well and tells a good tale. The epilogue shifts the focus back to Isaac and provides a nice wrap-up to the book after the book wanders into many other areas besides Isaac's disappearance. Recommended.

[virginia51-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This was such a perfect read. It made me laugh and cry because you really get to like both Pete and Isaac. Pete grows up to be a very good person. The mid to late 60’s was a very volatile time period. The racial tension is dealt with very well. I hope to read many more stories by this author. I received a copy of this book from Revell for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

[vintagebeckie · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This review is going to be difficult to write. Although Missing Isaac, the debut novel of Valerie Fraser Luesse, is a book that has it all — relatable and complex characters, a story that grabs your heart, and a voice speaks to the soul — it is difficult to get past the emotions that it elicited and name specifics as to why you should read it. And read it, you must! This book will win awards, I guarantee. And it most definitely will be on my best of the best list for 2018, if not of all time. It gets the very rare Very Highly Recommended distinction from me.The time is the 1960s and the place is rural Alabama. It is a simple time for 11 year-old Pete who adores his father and has not a care in the world. But things can change in an instant, and Pete is swept up into a world of loss and grief. His anchor in the storm is an unlikely friend — a 30-something black man who has worked most of his life as a field hand for Pete’s family. They form an easy bond, but in another life-changing moment, Isaac disappears, leaving Pete unsettled and determined to find our what has happened to Isaac Reynolds.Luesse has a beautiful writing style. The language of the different classes and races shines through in her flowing narrative and dialogue. The characters, quirky and oh so Southern, are real. I found myself quickly immersed in the story. And though Missing Isaac is a novel to be savored, it was a surprisingly quick read. I just could not put it down, and the many distractions around me faded the minute I stepped into the world of Glory, Alabama. There’s a lot going on in Glory, the nuances and undercurrents of which Pete is innocent. His encounter with a girl from the Hollow expands his experiences with life and love beyond his safe home. You see, there are all kinds of worlds out there that we have no knowledge of. As Dovey puts it — “Pete, what’s throwin’ you off is that you think there’s just one world we all live in, but there’s not. There’s a bunch of ’em. There’s the world you come from and the world I come from and the world Isaac comes from — there’s all kinda worlds. And the only people that don’t seem to know that are the ones that come from yours.” What I especially liked about this book is that Luesse merged those worlds, those different classes of people that made their home in Glory, in a beautiful way.Missing Isaac is a poignant look at a time gone by that is not so distant from our own time, a time that hasn’t changed enough. But while it handles some heavy issues, there is a lightness and a wit about it that keeps the darkness at bay. There are some really funny moments in the midst of fear and grief and discouragement — a picture of real life. Missing Isaac has a wonderful foundation of faith as well. It is as natural and living as the fields that surround the small farming community.I hope my ramblings will get you interested enough to pick this one up. Missing Isaac is my book club’s February selection. I cannot wait for my friends to read it!Very Highly Recommended.Great for Book Clubs.Audience: young adults through adults.(Thanks to Revell for a complimentary copy. All opinion expressed are mine alone.)

[mizroady · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I spent my childhood in the 1960’s so I felt a certain connection with Pete McLean. I was not faced with the loss of my father as he was but the times he lived in I vividly remember. After his father dies in a terrible farming accident on their land, he feels lost and overwhelmed. He was blessed in having Isaac Reynolds, a Negro farm worker that had been there as long as Pete could remember. He was not only a loyal friend to the late Mr. McLean but also to Pete. While the McLean’s embraced all people the same regardless of their skin color, at that time society did not. Isaac had character, wisdom and gentleness despite his background of poverty. But the young boy’s source of comfort is quickly gone as his friend suddenly disappears without a trace. He resolves to discover what happened to his dear friend no matter what it takes. For the next six years as he grows from boyhood to young manhood he puts his heart and soul into solving the mystery. In his searching for the truth his path crosses with Dovey Pickett. There couldn’t be two more opposites socially. A wealthy white boy and a back woods impoverished girl. Here again Pete turns his back on societal norms and romance blossoms. The book was entertaining and informative. I grew up in a middle class family that had enough, and I had friends that were wealthy, but I had no idea there were people living in such hardship and deprivation. I saw on the news about racism in the nation, but I had trouble understanding why such conflict existed.I admired Pete’s integrity that gave him the strength to not give into hypocrisy or discrimination. He was a strong testimony of what child is taught in the home will carry into his adulthood and values. His relationship with Isaac and Dovey shows that compassion and character override any obstacles in friendship or love. An outstanding first novel for Ms. Luesse! I look forward to reading more of her books to come!I received a copy of this book free from Revell Publications. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising

[erinclark_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Missing Isaac tells the story of a young boy Pete and his older black friend Isaac who disappears one night in the rural south in Alabama during the 1960's. The incompetent and racist Sheriff is unwilling to solve Isaac's disappearance. Years go by and Pete grieves for his friend while growing up. He falls in love with his childhood sweetheart, Dovey, and learns that all is not fair for blacks and whites, rich and poor in their community. I wish this novel could have been a little more gritty, it tended to whitewash the turbulent times that were occurring in the South during the 1960's. Still I recommend this novel as a entertaining read for those who enjoy Southern Lit.

[muddyboy · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Typically I would not like a novel like this. Outside of a black man named Isaac being killed everything else is just too coincidentally perfect in the way the rest of the book goes. The main characters are a little boy (Pete) whose dad has died and a little girl (Dovey) who has lost her mother. Dovey lives in a hollow with her reclusive family and is home schooled. Pete goes on a walk and meets Dovey and a relationships develops. This is the motor force that propels this feel good novel. It is well written and Hallmark movie nice.

[alekee_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is a debut novel by this author, and it sure won’t be my last to enjoy by her, she sure has won me over, a read that felt like I was watching as this story unfolded.There is a lot of pain and heartache here and when we face growing up in the 1960’s Alabama, and meet prejudice head on. This is Pete’s story and his family that found the town of “Glory”, the setting of this story.While the author has us walking in Pete’s shoes, we experience and walk with others in this community, and learn a lot of life lessons here. While things don’t always turn out how we want them to, there are a lot of surprises here, both good and bad.A warning that once you start, you won’t be able to stop, and I could have used a few more epilogues, I wanted to spend more time with these characters.I received this book through Revell Publishing Blogger Program, and was not required to give a positive review.

[reb922 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Set in the 1960's in Alabama Missing Isaac tells the story of Pete and his quest to get answers. Following the death of his father Pete seeks the comfort of the friendship he has with his father’s friend Isaac. When Isaac goes missing and is presumed dead Pete just wants to know what happens. Following the next few years of Pete’s life we see the increased turmoil in his town including issues of race and social status. I really enjoyed the writing and characters and would recommend this book to others.

[nadinec.keels · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

In the 1960s in the southern town of Glory, Alabama, a black field hand, Isaac, disappears. Pete, who’s white, wealthy, and a young friend of Isaac’s, is determined to find out exactly what befell the missing man in Missing Isaac, a novel by author Valerie Fraser Luesse.Well. Even with this novel’s title and the beginning, ending, and some pieces of the mystery in the middle, much of the book doesn’t have a whole lot to do with Isaac, or Pete’s connection to him. It’s a coming of age/love story for Pete, as well as pieces of stories for other characters. For me, reading this book was like watching the film A River Runs Through It in that if you’re waiting for, you know, something to “happen,” you’re going to miss it. You kind-of just have to read on and let the story…be.The novel has a strong sense of the location and period as it deals with compassion, hate, race, class, tragedy, joy, and realizing where you fit (and don’t fit) in the world. Flashes of brilliance and wisdom show up in places, and there are moments of humor—even some downright hilarity.Now, while I can appreciate letting a story be, I do wish this one felt a little more cohesive. It essentially ambles along or even seems to wander at times, and I’d feel adrift as I read. Pete’s a good guy, but I think his character would’ve been more compelling if he needed more of an inward change or growth over the years. Also, I think the novel could have had more nuance or poignancy if certain things were left unsaid. Oftentimes, key ideas or moments are stronger when the author hints or deftly touches on something and then trusts the reader to recognize or recall the significance of it without too much explanation.Still, even as it addresses serious issues, this is a rather mellow but ultimately heartfelt read that fans of historical (and likely literary) fiction can very well enjoy.___________I received a complimentary copy of this book through the LibraryThing Early Reviewers program for an honest review.

[cherylk_44 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Author, Valerie Fraser Luesse takes readers on an amazing, emotional, heartfelt story filled with endearing characters and a beautiful storyline with Missing Isaac! The bond that Pete and Isaac shared was great. In fact, this book kind of reminded me of a modern day To Kill a Mockingbird. A classic story that is a favorite of mine. Pete's innocence to the world around him including the fact that he did not see a line between him and Isaac was great. Isaac was like another father figure/big brother to Pete. That is why when Isaac went missing, it was devastating. I had grown so close to the characters that it was easy reading. Yet, there is someone else that I can't forget to mention and that is Lila. She turned into a lovely woman. It was nice to see her grow as the story progressed. Pete and she made a cute couple. A great ending. Additionally, I plan to read more books by this author.

[schatje_1 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I can see this book being adapted into a Hallmark movie. Unfortunately, it is not a book I enjoyed; it is much too saccharine. In Glory, Alabama, in 1964, Isaac Reynolds, a black field hand goes missing. When Jack McLean, Isaac’s friend and employer, was killed two years earlier, Isaac took Pete, Jack’s son, under his wing and the two were almost inseparable. Thirteen-year-old Pete sets out to try and find out what happened to Isaac; in the process he finds a new friend and learns about the world.This is to be seen as a coming-of-age novel showing Pete’s maturation from the age of 11 to 17. The problem is that Pete seems mature from the beginning. If anything, he is too good to be true. He never seems to do anything wrong; his only transgression is lying to his mother that he is going fishing with Isaac when he actually goes with him to a barbecue in the black section of town where he hears blues music for the first time! He is unfailingly courteous, works hard, and takes responsibility for his actions. He shows no sign of teenage rebelliousness; he does get into a fight at school but only because he is defending a girl’s honour. And because he respects Dovey, his girlfriend, sex is never ever mentioned.And it is not only Pete who is perfect. His entire family borders on the saintly. They show no prejudice; though Jack was white and wealthy, one of his best friends was a black man and the other was a poor man. Pete’s maternal grandfather, Ned Ballard, is the town philanthropist who quietly gives money to any deserving person regardless of colour. In his attitude and behaviour, he is very much the Atticus Finch character. Dovey’s deceased mother is described as an angel and Dovey seems one too; she is always doing nice things for others. She even has an angelic singing voice! The one person who could be seen as a rebel is Pete’s Aunt Geneva who is known for speaking her mind; nevertheless, everyone is crazy about her, even those she cowers into subservience. She is Harper Lee’s Miss Maudie.The blacks and the poor are also portrayed as overwhelmingly good. Of the poor white people living in the hollow (?!) only Joseph Pickett is shown in a negative light; he marries a woman who is described as a loudmouth with no sense and who wears tight shorts and halter tops. The blacks are likewise shown only in a positive light. Hattie, for instance, is so hardworking that she is respected by all the whites. She brings to mind Calpurnia in To Kill a Mockingbird.While Pete’s family has no flaws, there are villains who have no redeeming qualities. A character is introduced early in the book whom any discerning reader will immediately identify as one of the evil characters who will keep reappearing throughout. Then there are the stereotypes: two obvious ones are the stupid, prejudiced sheriff and the uneducated country bumpkin who in her mannerisms and speech reminded me of Mayella Ewell in To Kill a Mockingbird.With all the religious overtones, this book would probably fit the category of Christian fiction. Hymns are quoted liberally. The McLeans are good church-going Christians, as are the blacks. The poor whites do not feel welcome in Glory’s churches but worship in their own way. In the end, the good are rewarded (usually by finding a soulmate and getting married) and the hypocrites receive their comeuppance. Anyone who loves a feel-good ending will love this ending. Despite some temporary setbacks, evil is eventually vanquished. Good conquers all. Happiness awaits those who persevere through hardships. I wish life were so simple, but such endings are not very realistic. Undoubtedly, I will be criticized as being too harsh in my comments. I do not mean to be. This type of book is just not for me; it does not reflect the real world. People are more nuanced than the characters in this novel. Furthermore, by resorting to stereotypes and clichés, the author does not increase the reader’s understanding of Alabamians or appreciation for Southern culture. (Or has my reading been coloured by Roy Moore’s Senate campaign in Alabama?)Note: I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via LibraryThing.

[bnbookgirl · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Good southern writing with some very interesting characters. Set in Alabama in the 1960's, this book of course covers race and segregation. It would be hard not to cover this with this era and setting. Isaac is a farmhand who goes missing and Pete is the young boy who is determined to find out what happened. This is definitely a coming of age story for Pete and his young friend and future wife, Dovey. I also enjoyed the relationship between Lila and John, Pete's mom and Dovey's dad. An enjoyable story.

[paperdolllady · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Missing Isaac has a good opening and atmospheric setting, which takes place in the south during the decade of the 1960s. It's main character is Pete McLean, and the reader meets him on page one as an eleven-year-old. Soon after, his father dies in a farm accident and it is a young colored man, Isaac, who has made an effort to try to save Pete's father, but fails. The friendship between Pete and Isaac grows (they go fishing together) but then Isaac goes missing. Although it's a '60s era story, the many characters and their dialogue has a Depression era tone. The vernacular dialogue just flows so smoothly that readers get to know the many well-drawn characters and the country-life world they live in. The mystery of the missing Isaac, and what happened to him seems to take a long time to be revealed. However, Pete, and his love interest, Dovey, are praise-worthy and likeable young people. Not a book for hard-core mystery fans where tension builds towards a solution of whodunit, this one is more of a good read for those who like interesting characters, southern life, and its atmosphere.Thank you LTER's.

[bpompon_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

There’s a special place in my heart for Southern Fiction and Missing Isaac doesn’t disappoint. The story takes place in the 60’s in Glory Alabama. Isaac is a beloved friend of the main character Pete and disappears early on in the tale. As the mystery of his disappearance evolves, you become enmeshed in all of the dynamics of life in the Glory community. There were so many memorable lines in the story that will stay with me forever. Without giving it away I must say the ending was so fitting for anyone who loves to read!

[carolee888 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I am blown away by Missing Isaac by Valerie Fraser Luesse. I hope that everyone reads it. This book is set in the 1960s in Alabama. That was a time when people had to hide the fact of any friendship between white and black. Pete is young when his father dies in sink hole farming accident.Pete is white and his mother's father is rich. But money doesn't help the pain of missing your father who you loved so much. Peter is still has his mother and his best friend. His father and his best friend's father were close friends but they always kept that secret. Pete was white and Isaac was black. Issac had attempted to rescue Pete's father but it was too late.Later, Isaac had gone missing after his usual poker game. Pete is worried about him and in his search meets a girl almost his age in a different social class who has lost her mother. Mystery, humor, wisdom and truth abound in this book and I feel grateful to have the chance to read it. I received an Advance Reading Copy of this book as a win from LibraryThing from the publishers in exchange for a fair book review. My thoughts and feelings in this review are totally my own.

[nyiper · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

What a wonderful story that is tightly written--every page pulls you right into the next part of the story, and it all holds together beautifully. Because you are faced with two deaths right in the beginning of the book, the search for meaning by all of the carefully developed characters makes the book as different relationships are strained, tested, and developed. Although these are very religious people, it's not overdone---it seems to be more the nature of the culture and the time. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this first book by the author and from her acknowledgements, it's possible that she is already thinking of more books to write.

[tamarack804-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A wonderful book by Valerie F Luesse, "Missing Isaac" is a coming of age story of a boy growing up and falling in love in the 60's. Not only is the book about how families come together in time of hardship, there is a mystery to keep you guessing to the end. I really enjoyed this book, it was a fast read for me since I could not put it down once I started. I will look forward to other books by Valerie Luesse. A great read. Thank you Library Thing for the advanced copy