In the Moon of Red Ponies

Fourth in the "Billy Bob Holland" series by James Lee Burke, we find Billy Bob and new wife Temple living on their ranch outside Missoula, Montana. Billy Bob is working as an attorney after leaving the Texas Rangers and trying a stint as an assistant U.S. Attorney. Psychopath Wyatt Dixon has been released from jail on a technicality after burying Temple alive and being caught by Billy Bob. And he now seems intent on being a part of their lives, claiming he has found God and is a changed man. Meanwhile, decorated ex-soldier and now activist in Native American causes Johnny American Horse is calling on Billy Bob to help him out of a frame-up for murder. Johnny is in love with the daughter of a U.S. senator and she with him, but the senator will do anything he can to put a stop to their impending marriage. When people start threatening Temple and Billy Bob's son Luke, he struggles to find a path through that will leave his integrity intact. This is a very intricate plot about the abuse of political and monetary power. Sometimes it's hard to tell who the good guys are, because nobody is just one thing. And even when they're trying to do good, they don't often prevail. As Billy Bob puts it, "you're on your own." Richly detailed and colored with a love of the Montana country where he now lives, this will draw you in and not let go until you come up for air at the end. All the other books I've read by Burke are also excellent. He's a great writer with very well-developed characters, sense of place and plotting.