It takes actual expertise to search out one thing contemporary within the ‘American police procedural’ style, however that’s simply what creator Kris Lackey does in Ten Acre Rock. County Deputy Hannah and First Nation police officer Maytubby share overlapping jurisdictions and a strong sense of ethical indignation. When the rulebook says they need to look the opposite method and thoughts their very own law-enforcement enterprise, their compulsion to genuinely defend and serve the native individuals involves the fore.
We’re again in rural Oklahoma, kicking up mud after darkish, monitoring dangerous guys who thrash their black vehicles on the byways of the Large Rock prairie. And I like each minute of it.
This story begins with a horribly burned physique, found in a makeshift charcoal kiln. Sure, a charcoal kiln is definitely a factor in a state the place some folks survive towards the chances beneath the breadline (and take into account squirrels a staple meals), and the place medical care is privilege to which few are routinely entitled. For British readers, this can be a overseas land certainly.
When it turns into clear that the homicide of a younger Chickasaw man isn’t an remoted incident, Hannah and Maytubby start their very own investigations. They uncover a neighborhood narcotics community after which, probing deeper into harmful territory, an insidious conspiracy – one which motivates homicide for financial acquire. Cue scenes of moonlit stalking, interviews with Chickasaw elders, and dangerous males with huge weapons who don’t hesitate to make use of them.
But the tone is way from threatening all through, thanks Maytubby’s hilarious undercover disguise and Hannah’s continuous teasing about his wholesome meals selections (whereas she chows down on half a cow which is sort of nonetheless kicking). Lackey’s dialogue is pitch-perfect; he deftly implies the raised eyebrow or the delicate side-eye that accompany a dry gibe. It’s like spending time with outdated associates you’ve identified for many years.
Then the tone modifications in an eyeblink to real jeopardy from callous killers skulking within the shadows. Lackey writes with deliberate understatement and a refreshing disregard for dramatic hyperbole. All of it feels horribly doable.
Even so, all of the overlapping investigative businesses is usually a bit tiring; it’s worthwhile to take note of preserve all of them straight. Must you get slightly bit misplaced alongside the way in which then the ultimate chapters wrap up the previous occasions and tie off unfastened ends with an nearly OCD degree of consideration to element.
The Maytubby and Bond novels have developed into the ‘Chickasaw Nation Mysteries’. In concept they’re all standalones, however to actually benefit from the extra intricate elements of Ten Acre Rock I like to recommend beginning at the start with Nail’s Crossing. That method you’ll be able to fully take up this ebook’s genuine sense of place and the creator’s shrewd insights into the cultural complexities of 21st century America – portrayed with gritty social realism by his credible, participating characters.
I simply hope Maytubby is getting sufficient protein in his food regimen…
8/10
Reviewed by Rowena Hoseason
Ten Acre Rock by Kris Lackey is out there at Amazon
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Uncover extra legal intrigue and sophisticated characters…
…within the Killing Sisters trilogy