A moonshiner with a surreal gift,
a country strongman
and a talking dog…
International bestseller Clayton Lindemuth bends genres in this darkly comedic literary mystery-thriller.
You’ll laugh out loud and burn through the pages.
★★★★★ “I must have underlined over a hundred passages in all.”
Baer Creighton is a gifted distiller of fruited moonshine, capable of detecting even the subtlest lies.
He lives in the woods next to his house, philosophizes with his dog Fred, and writes letters to his high school love Ruth — who long ago chose Baer’s brother.
Baer keeps a low profile. Everyone is happy drinking his sublime moonshines — until Fred goes missing. A week later, while Baer harvests apples in the moonlight, a chain of headlights emerges from the woods. A truck tosses a white bundle to the ditch.
When you discover who stole Fred, you’ll know you’ve found a new master of the dark surreal.
And when you see what Baer does to him…
Them…
You haven’t read a novel like this.
I promise.
A standalone novel…
But fans demanded a series.
★★★★★
“I struggled to put it down.”
★★★★★ “In short, I was left completely in awe.”
★★★★★ “I highly recommend it for your next book.”
“Perfectly evokes the woods and hollows of the Carolina hills…. Baer’s voice is as textured as the landscape…”
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What do Readers Say?
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This book really worked for me, brilliantly conceived and flawlessly executed. I am so glad that it is the first book in a series because I am hooked and cant wait to read the next one.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Fantastic read. You will not be able to put it down. Wonderful spin on good vs evil, a look inside Baer’s mind, will keep you on edge. Highly recommended.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A great read. He captures the dialog and thinking of the red neck culture in a fascinating way. Baer is a great character
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very good book! I couldn’t put it down. I can’t wait to read the next installment of Baer’s life and see what happens next!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ What a way to spend your life. I am jealous? So many of us go through life not knowing what life can really be about. I downloaded books 2,3 after chapter five of book 1. Thank you!!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I can relate in so many ways. This was a great story. I hope there is a sequel. Can’t wait.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Absolutely brilliant book!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Damn good read, & don’t mess with this mans dog !
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A nearly unparalleled work of modern American literature. Wow. I just finished digesting the exploits of one Baer Creighton–a flawed superman of sorts, in his own right–and a new hero of mine for the rest of my days. I’d never heard of Clayton Lindemuth before I came across My Brother’s Destroyer. I read the positive reviews and smiled at the descriptive references to “literary depth.” ‘Oh come on,” I thought. Boy was I in for a pleasant awakening! Lindemuth is one of the finest authors I’ve ever read, ever. And that includes writers like Cormac McCarthy, Harper Lee, John Steinbeck, James Faulkner and even old Samuel Clemens himself.
I laughed, I cried, I worried and I trembled as I followed Baer through the mystical woods of North Carolina and the sultry streets of small-town America. Between the things Creighton would say (usually to himself or to his dog) or think, I must have underlined over a hundred passages in all.
Other reviewers have aptly described the plot better than I could so I won’t waste your time reiterating, but it suffices me to say that it’s a wonderful story–simple, yes, but the depth is…well, “literary,” in point of fact. 🙂 So do yourself a favor: don’t hesitate and don’t overthink it. Just grab a copy of this mighty work and see for yourself what makes it the one of the most valuable diamonds-in-the-rough I’ve ever come across in all my experience in reading American literature.
I know that’s high praise but I mean it–I can only think of several novels that have meant as much to me in my life.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ a brutal depiction of the worst in people, from abuse and dogfighting to murder. Well written and authentic tasting, I read it until I was finished, couldn’t put it down.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ It’s hell being a man that can see if you’re lying just by looking at your eyes and gets electric shocks at the same time. Baer Creighton loves his dog more than anything in this world and I pity the poor fools who hurt that dog. A great book that I recommend to everyone especially those who love their dogs the way Baer loved Fred.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I purchased this book by accident, but once I started reading it I couldn’t put it down. It’s a very dark story of of betrayal and loss that shows the evil that man is capable of. The story takes you to the darkest places in a mans soul and gives you reason to contemplate your own soul. An exciting read, but not for the faint of heart.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This type novel isn’t something I’d usually pick up, I normally don’t read books with a lot of violence, but it was on my Bookbub suggestions list yesterday and sounded interesting, so I started reading about ten last night. I finished it about four morning. Could not put it down… I was trapped in the situation and couldn’t sleep until justice was done. The topic of dog fighting for sport is one that has horrified me for years now. Starting 30 years ago, when my parent’s beloved Border Collie disappeared from their fenced front yard, to 15 years ago when a friend’s darling Boxer disappeared from her fenced front yard, to countless more dogs in the area than have vanished since without a trace… I have been doing a slow burn, knowing what is happening to these dogs yet unable to stop it. Anyone that is willing to stand and watch while animals are torn apart for sport deserves the death penalty, in my not so humble opinion.
I’m a native of the SE, though I transplanted myself to the West last year. Here I have found the general population to be much more intelligent and not so prone to poaching, dog fighting and cock fighting as they are in Alabama and Mississippi. After reading this book, I’m thinking I may need to go home for a spell. I’m college educated and retired from a lucrative career, so I’m not your typical redneck, but I do know a few moonshiners. Apple Pie Brandy, Lemon Drop Shine… no holiday party or hunt club cookout would be complete without it. All I need to do is find out when and where the next fight is going to be?
Thank you, Clayton, for openly confronting a reality that most would like to pretend doesn’t exist. And by the way… I read a one star review that bluntly stated you didn’t use proper grammar in your novel, therefore you only got one star. Some folks just don’t get it. A moonshiner in the Appalachians, no education, 10th grade dropout… is not going to talk like the banker. Your style is perfect! Very true to life, and I will be reading the rest of your books.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I didn’t expect to like this novel too well. The protagonist is a semi-literate moonshiner. But, if that was all that he was, I’d not have loved the novel. Besides the overview of him, he’s much more complex. He’s chivalrous, an animal lover, courageous, and a pretty good purveyor of homespun wisdom. A unique, fascinating character.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I read a lot of books mostly ’cause I hate tv. I got the first Baer book and was hooked right off. A guy, Baer, that’ll go thru what he did for payback against folks who messed with his dog is my kind of protagonist. The characters were made real, the story moved along well and I now have another author to binge read as I can afford to buy his work. Well worth it!!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The character, Baer, is a solemn man who lives in the woods with his beloved dog, Fred. Baer does no wrong unless he is provoked. And he is provoked. A story from inside Baer’s head is an adventure, sorrowful and intelligent. Adventure, deceit and revenge makes this a must-read.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This book was compelling. It took me almost an entire day to consume it, and I spent some time lying in bed reviewing the mental pictures that the book invokes. The conflicts are graphic, the escalation is gritty, and the action is gripping. Reserve a block of time for this page-turner. It just won’t let you set it aside. Astoundingly written, full of humanity in its rawest, both mean and good. A true gritty and full of soul southern rural novel. A very true look into the horrors of dog fights.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Good story. Really different but kept me reading. Parts made me laugh but mostly intense and a bit brutal but that’s the way it was back then
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Don’t miss anything this guy writes if yer into this stuff. You know: Jedidiah Ayres, Frank Bill, Benjamin Whitmer, Heath Lowrance settings and themes. Faulkner symbolism and flow. But a surefooted style all his own. Sweet and dirty.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Fascinating and gut-wrenching. Mr. Lindemuth is an amazing writer. It took a chapter or two before I could settle into Baer’s vernacular, but then i was hooked. The book could be disturbing for some; but if you soldier on through the murky grey areas of right and wrong you get to know a truly unique and fascinating man in Baer Creighton. This is one of those stories that stays with you for awhile, and leaves you trying to find your way out of the grey area where decent people do bad things to bad people for good cause . Things you can’t condone, but you can understand the why of them. It is a good book … I recommend you give it a try. Be warned, however, that it contains violence. But it also contains an honest look at the conflicting standards we each face in this sinful world … the person we present ourselves to be, and the person we are when no one is watching. For some, there is a chasm between the public versus the private persona, but for most it is our own personal journey of trying to be a righteous person in an imperfect world. There are both kinds of people in this book, and there are some really clear-cut bad guys. Baer is the one who will stay in your thoughts. Job well done, Mr Lindemuth! One person found this helpful Read this in one sitting could not put it down Great read. It was hard to put down
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Really good read. Bigger than life heroes with a twist. Believable.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Baer is a good ole boy and a bootlegger. He is a lonely man, having lost the love of his life years ago to his brother. His best friend is his Pitbull Fred. When his sweet dog is kidnapped for the dog fighting ring, then ultimately killed, Baer takes his vengeance. This is an extremely well written book, with well developed characters. Although this is not a book that I would ordinarily read, I am so very glad that I did. Being a dog lover myself and a hater of the very idea of dog fights m, I could feel this man’s pain.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This is the first book I have read by this author. I’m a dog lover. I hate the thought of any animal having to fight for it’s life for the entertainment of man. They look like normal people, dog fighters and serial murders. I read this book hoping for insight of those type of individuals. Got my insight and so much more. I will reread this book again, something I rarely do.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Ok I’m hooked! This man knows his moonshine and he spins a good tale.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This fast moving tale of vengeance and redemption has only one problem: it ended too soon! I did not want to stop reading! The author has a great ear for dialect, the characters are well developed, and the story moves with twists and turns that leave you wanting more. Highly recommended and I will look forward to more fro this author.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I’ve already recommended this book to my hunny bunny hubby Will try to track down a paper back copy for the jail birds I think they would enjoy this story I also left a chunk of my heart in Arizona I raise Lippitt Morgans and pound puppies
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Did Baer set out to destroy his brother or had his brother already destroyed him? Or himself? At any rate this is one of the best and most unusual books I’ve read in a long, long time.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ If you hate dog fighting & dog fighters read this book. It is a very powerful story, one you won’t soon forget.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Only the strong should read this book. I may need to read it again in a few months to really understand Baer but this is one I will remember for a while.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Baer makes the best shine in the county. Talks with his dog, who answers him back. Loves a few people. But the big shots in the county won’t leave him alone. They make the mistake of mess in with him and his dog. Big mistake. Good book. Country folk do have heart.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Enjoyed the storyline and the characters. Book moved a little slower than I liked, but a respectful storyline. Story has lots of truth behind it. Will read another of this author’s books before making a decision about his work.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ What a great book. It deserves to be in the American Literature section. Great piece of story telling with the back woods folk. The way the words unfold had me feeling like I was there in the woods. Can’t recommend it enough.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Attention grabbing vernacular, old-time honor, and a love of the canine crew. What a tangled web we weave, when we deceive…and the good old boys do deceive Real good read
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very enjoyable. The description of places, people and love of dogs leaves no doubt in this readers mind. Looking forward to the next book. Great read! Not the usual type of book I go for but wow! It kept me up all night reading.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Great characters and plot. Want to know what happen s next. Great job! Please keep this story going. Bear rocks as a character. Thx!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This book is a very close-up look at humanity at its worst. But also at its best as a man shows true loyalty to his best friend.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Not my usual fare, but took a chance. Initially put off by the bad English and grammar of the narrator, but by the second chapter, I no longer noticed. An interesting tale, told very well.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A pleasant read full of adventure, loyalty, loss loves found, and kick you in the balls till your eyes bleed action. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I really enjoyed the book it was a good read and I struggled to put it down and go to bed I think everybody that likes any of the Lee Child Jack Reacher novels would love this book and this author go for it
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Could not put this book down. I am hoping there is a sequel as I am dying to know how Baer is.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I became very involved with the main character to the point I had to take frequent breaks to restore my peace of mind.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Loved this book…I am from that neck of the woods…and it rings true…
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ First book I’ve read by this author, and it won’t be my last. I could not put it down. Suspenseful!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Great story.Loved it
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ It is always a pleasure to come across a gifted writer, and finding Clayton Lindemuth was truly nice. In My Brother’s Destroyer he writes about people I know, I grew up with, I come across daily and knows how they think and react. Wholly believable plot and motivations, told with a minimum of fuss but with enough back story and details to make the characters bleed when it’s time.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I’ll admit it took a little getting used to the way the main character talks, but once I wrapped my head around it, he really came to life. What an intricate character he turns out to be and what a great story! You are along for the ride as Baer takes one hit after another, teetering on the brink between letting go of his humanity for the sake of revenge and wanting to take care of those he loves. This is one of those books I’ll read again sometime to pick up the nuances even more. My second book from this author, and I can’t want to read more!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This story is dark as noir should be. The writing transports you to the protagonist’s world and makes it hard to put down. Even with the darkness and Baer’s flaws there is a moral strength coupled with Baer’s love for dogs that keeps this novel from becoming depressing. Awesome read. Definitely not for everyone, but if you enjoy truly human characters, good and bad, you’ll love this book. Evil is out there, and very real. How we deal with it is up to each of us individually, but if there were more men like Baer, there wouldn’t be so much evil walking the earth. Extremely believable characters and setting. Already got the next one in the series!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent read. Fast and interesting. Loved the fact that it was set in Eastern N.C. found it very refreshing hard to say what I really liked because it would give away to story. I read 3 to 4 books weekly and did not put this one down. Read it in restaurants a d while waiting for customers. Loved this book
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Gut-wrenching, raw tale of Baer’s journey through pain, loss and retribution. While his moral code is rigidly set in right vs wrong, and most of his actions illegal, his humble heart makes them feel justifiable. A real page-turner, the ending came much too soon, leaving this reader craving more of Baer’s ongoing adventure. Luckily for Clayton Lindemuth fans, a sequel is in the works.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ trying to capture local color by playing with an accent and stereotypes. I was so wrong! Looking forward to reading more work by this author.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I really enjoyed this storyline as written in a southern writing style. The plot pulls you in and is hard to put down. Realistic characters with plenty of flaws and lots of action. Revenge and Justice a big part of the plot. I highly recommend this book and will be reading the author’s other books. I received a copy of this book from the author and was not compensated for this honest review. Baer is drunk with two gifts; one is brewing the best shine around and the other is an strange ability to determine if someone is lying. And in his experience everyone lies. The only companion her can stand or trust is his dog, Fred. And then someone steals Fred to use for dogfighting. This book is spare, violent and honest to the bone.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Starting this book I wasn’t sure I was going to read it, but boy I’m glad I did. What an exciting story, dog fighting is one of the worst crimes there is, therefore I felt no sympathy for any of the perpetrators. Poor Fred, that was beyond sad.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I really liked this book, it is not your average book and not everyone will like it , very different about a person who’s differences and issues are not his fault, but it seems he is always in some kind of trouble a lot of which is brother is behind-he’s a loner who lives out in the woods with his pit bull Fred and then someone steals Fred and he believes in pay back-I loved the book am going to read all his other books
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Being a Southron born and bred I understand Bear and I celebrate his willingness to bring darkness to those who destroy and dominate. It isn’t pretty. It may not even be justifiable, but it is truth and it is honest in the honesty of a torn soul.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Great and realistic characters. They behaved consistently throughout the story. One of the very few Kindle free books very much worth paying money for.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Interesting plot that keeps you hooked though every twist and turn right until the end. Good action and well developed characters. I will read more of this author.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The hill country prose took some getting used to but once I did it became quite comfortable. I liked that the bad guys got their comeuppance but not so that it came easy to the hero. Looking forward to this author’s next book.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Top notch story of betrayal and corruption. Baer mostly wants to mind his own business but evil parties with the intent of running him out of business, and ending his life if necessary, won’t let him. Baer is resourceful and the story of punch and counterpunch leaves one hanging until the very end. And, in spite of murder and mayhem, this is not a gory, violent book but rather a story of corruption and power in a small, rural county.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I loved this book! Great story, love his writing style, can’t wait to read more of his books. enjoyed this more than anything I’ve read in a while, so glad I found this author!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I read this book cover to cover with few breaks. The story grabbed me and had me talking to Baer. Dogs is better’n most people. I love his style with words. You could see some things coming, but a lot of it hit you from left field, which I appreciate. Gutsy and gritty.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Great story, well written. We tend to romanticize booze and our animals but everything has it’s dark side. A Dark story with a tinge of the supernatural. I’m headed over to read another of Lindemuth’s books now. You will too when you finish this one. Enjoy.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Normally I am a speed reader but this book took me a few days to read. I didn’t want to miss anything by reading it to fast. The book is written the way the characters would actually speak, so the dialect takes a bit to get used to, but give it a chance it’s well worth the time it takes to read. The book has a great plot and I enjoy when a book makes me question my morals and how evil can be good. I am definitely looking forward to reading more from this author.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Awesome book and awesome writer! Highly recommend all his books
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Great read Compelling, gripping & chilling. Shook me to my core, as a devoted dog lover. Lindemuth’s writing can easily be described as intelligent & dark, but it’s the underlying ripple of justice & light that fascinates me most.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Great book!! Loved the way it was written. Very refreshing and unique. Definitely recommend this book and will look for other books from this author.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A great read. I’m reading all of Lindemuth’s books!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Took a while to get into the characters but then really enjoyed the book, especially Baer’s reaction to the dogfighting low life’s who want to destroy his life. I also liked the fact he wasn’t an obvious hero.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I really didn’t expect to be able to finish this book. Violence against dogs and the writing in accented English would usually be a stopper for me. However, the animal abuse pretty much happens ‘off screen’ and the dialogue flows naturally. Can’t wait to read book two! Great boys k and flow of story. This book will keep you entertained from start to finish. Really enjoyed the brook
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I was reluctant to read a book that has dog fighting as a central aspect, but was happy to find the protagonist hates the “sport” as much as I do. My Brother’s Destroyer is about revenge and justice. It’s told in dialect–so don’t even bother if that’s a turn off. But if you want a layered story, lots of nuance, and a couple unforgettable surprises, My Brother’s Destroyer will satisfy.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ An intriguing tale of sibling rivalry with twisted evil and misdealing. The author spins a violent, twisted Yale of moonshine, illegal deals, revenge, and the loss of family with consequential regrets.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A compelling story of hillbilly life, corruption, justice and revenge. Baer Creighton is a principled and quirky protagonist who I hope has more adventures! One person found this helpful Living in a place where dog fighting, moonshine, and getting revenge are still found made this book a fascinating read. Enjoyed the book from cover to cover. Would make a good movie…
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Copyright 2021 by Clayton Lindemuth