THE HEATHENS

4 stars out of 5

This is a well-written, well-thought-out entry in this popular series - of which I've read several of the 11 so far - but I can't say it was totally enjoyable. The subject matter, and myriad of characters, were too dark for my liking, and former Army Ranger and Tibbehah County Sheriff Quinn Colson, the "star" of the series, could use more page time. In fact, the spotlight seemed to be more on characters from previous books - whether they be cool or dangerous - than on Quinn, who's I must say has become more likable to me as the series moves along.

The main story follows Tanya "TJ" Byrd, an errant 17-year-old whose equally errant mother, Gina, goes missing. Based on the outcome of her disappearance, TJ - well-known for her mental and physical battles with her mother - is the prime suspect despite, she claims, her innocence (she puts the blame squarely on an older, local ne'er-do-well who turns the tables by accusing TJ). Facing almost certain arrest for a crime she did not commit, she takes off with her younger brother, John Wesley, her boyfriend (and frequent lawbreaker in his own right, Ladarius) and her best friend Holly. 

Along the way, they pick up another troubled teen - this time a pampered rich girl with the ironic misnomer Chastity who's fond of drugs and getting "likes" on her Internet posts. Claiming she has a plan that will clear TJ's name, she manages to coerce TJ and Ladarius into following her lead - which turns out to be neither a good idea nor the truth; in fact, her plan only digs a deeper legal hole for the teens and a not-bright future for any of them.

Meanwhile, Quinn isn't convinced that TJ is guilty, despite mounting evidence to the contrary. He tries, and comes close to, winning over old friend and former partner, U.S. Marshal Lillie Virgil - but as they track the rampage and devastation the teen runaways leave behind, it becomes harder to believe they have any chance of getting off with no consequences (a belief shared by TJ, who is convinced she'll never get a fair shake). Back on the home front, some seriously bad guys make appearances as they're recruited to pull off some seriously grisly stuff (just a warning to readers who don't enjoy that kind of thing). Still other bad guys are hard at work trying to appear legitimate, muddying up the investigative waters even more.

After a lot of sleuthing, the truth starts to emerge - but it may come too late to be of much help to the runaway teens. At that point, it's a wild ride to see who can get to them first - and the winner likely will determine whether they live or die. The ending is only partially satisfying, with plenty of loose ends that no doubt will be woven into another book. I thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review a pre-release copy of this one.

The Heathens by Ace Atkins (G.P. Putnam's Sons, July 2021); 416 pp.

THE REDEEMERS

3.5 stars out of 5

The concept of product placement has been around for years; it's not unusual to see a can of name-brand soda or a cup of coffee from a major chain in a TV show. As more folks watch recorded shows and skip over the commercials, it's become an alternate (and most likely pretty effective) way to beat TiVo and keep the advertisers happy.

The practice happens in books as well, although from what I've read it started more recently. Mind you, I'm not saying for certain that's the case in this one, but when at least five mentions of a specific brand of outdoor clothing popped up even before the halfway point, it sure made me wonder. To be sure, it's a well-known brand that the characters might well own, but with that many name drops, I'm hoping somebody got paid very well (hint from me for the next in the series: One or two mentions is acceptable, but more than that is enough, already)!

The book itself - the fifth featuring former U.S. Army Ranger and Tibbehah County, Mississippi, sheriff Quinn Colson - just didn't grab me even though it's well written as usual. To begin with, Colson, who has been voted out of office and is in the process of packing up his [insert brand name here] jacket and other belongings, just isn't a person with whom I can identify. He continues to wrestle with his on-again, off-again drug- and alcohol-addicted sister Caddy - though why, I don't know. Sister or no sister, I'd have kicked her sorry butt to the curb after the second round of rehab didn't "take." Then there's a gone-again, here-again father who still revels in his Hollywood stuntman days, a mother who cooks a couple of things really, really well and a couple of seriously corrupt folks such as Johnny Stagg who have been running their illicit schemes for years without much interference.

So far, nobody's been able to bring Stagg down, but if anyone can do it, Colson can - and he's willing to die trying whether or not he's the sheriff. The action begins with a break-in at the home of a lumber mill owner wherein a huge safe is stolen. Apparently, it held not only tons of money, but documents that could incriminate Stagg and a number of his cronies. Even though he's no longer a lawman, Colson is asked by the acting sheriff, his friend Lillie Virgil, and his long-time love, Anna Lee Stevens (who he "stole" from her husband and onetime close friend), to investigate. 

After that, a tangled web gets woven so fast it made my eyes cross. So many characters started popping in and out of the chapters that beyond the major players, I gave up trying to figure out who did what and who was in cahoots with whom. In the end, things get sorted out and for the most part, justice is served - and a twist leaves the door open for the next installment.

I'll also caution those who care about such things that the language from the backwoods good ol' boys is coarse, to say the least - particularly when it comes to the female anatomy (that said, no, I did not learn any new words). All told, this is a solid addition to the series, but far from my pick of the litter.

The Redeemers by Ace Atkins (G.P. Putnam's Sons, July 2015); 384 pp.