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.