Synopsis/blurb……
The
scion of one of the West's great outlaws comes home from the war in
Iraq--Gilman James, the last of three childhood friends to return.
His brothers-in-arms are mere shadows of their former selves--Gil, unmarked--determines to take care of them. But how far should a man go for the people he loves?
Stepping across the line between right and wrong, Gil finds himself stranded in the Texan desert--as a bank heist he's planned goes horribly wrong. Pursued into the badlands by US Marshal John Whicher, Gil crosses paths with Tennille Labrea; an outlander, with her own demons to fight. Shielding a secret too precious to share with anyone, she's ready to cross her own line in the sand.
What makes an outlaw? Marshal John Whicher, veteran of the First Gulf War thinks he knows. But can natural justice ever outrank the law? For three very different people a moment of reckoning is set in train: violent, defining; inescapable.
His brothers-in-arms are mere shadows of their former selves--Gil, unmarked--determines to take care of them. But how far should a man go for the people he loves?
Stepping across the line between right and wrong, Gil finds himself stranded in the Texan desert--as a bank heist he's planned goes horribly wrong. Pursued into the badlands by US Marshal John Whicher, Gil crosses paths with Tennille Labrea; an outlander, with her own demons to fight. Shielding a secret too precious to share with anyone, she's ready to cross her own line in the sand.
What makes an outlaw? Marshal John Whicher, veteran of the First Gulf War thinks he knows. But can natural justice ever outrank the law? For three very different people a moment of reckoning is set in train: violent, defining; inescapable.
An
American Outlaw is a debut novel from author John Stonehouse. We have a fast-paced tale of robbery and pursuit
set in wildest Texas. Fairly straight-forward you would think, but there’s a
depth to the prose which extends far beyond that of some of the books I read.
We have a fantastic setting, vividly depicted, so much so I’m
sure I coughed and spat desert dust as I turned the pages.
We have an interesting mix of characters, mainly focusing
around a trio of strong, determined and likeable individuals; Gil – a disaffected veteran, loyal to
friends and family but now willing to put himself on the wrong side of the law,
like his famous ancestor; Tennille –
a single Hispanic mother, getting by but unwilling to sacrifice her daughter to
her abusive ex-husband and looking for an opportunity to forge a new life for
them both away from his clutches; and Whicher,
another veteran and now a Marshal. Whicher has a decency about him, as well as tenacity
and acumen – a quality which serves him well in his pursuit of Gilman James
after poor fortune and impetuosity from his partners in crime derail the
meticulous planning laid in place.
Stonehouse weaves
together our three main characters into a fast moving plot-line, producing a
tale that ultimately resolves satisfactorily, leaving our characters’ integrity
intact. In doing so he touches on issues which effect a lot of people today on
either side of the Atlantic ……. economic downturn, banks, foreclosure, poor
prospects, rejection and isolation, provoking feelings of powerlessness and disenfranchisement.
Should we be surprised when people decide to fight back?
I’m looking forward to more from this powerful author in the
years to come.
4 from 5 initially, on reflection re-scored to 5 from 5 - can't think of a valid reason why not!
He was kind enough to send me a copy of this bad boy in
return for an honest review.
Col - This does indeed sound as though it has a terrific setting. And I like the fact that the characters are well-developed; that's often difficult to pull off if you're going for a fast pace and plenty of action. Glad you enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteMargot, I think the balance was just right here. On reflection not too sure why I didn't score it a bit higher....
DeleteJohn Stonehouse! That was the name of the MP who tried to fake his own death... another bad boy. I'm guessing not the same one. Anyway, this sounds good, I like the idea of the very realistic desert setting.
ReplyDeleteI had forgotten about that. Growing up, him and Lord Lucan were the two big news stories I can recall. John Stonehouse (MP) was apparently a Czech spy and he wrote 4 novels himself.........never knew that.
DeleteBack to the book........yes - setting was a massive tick in the box for me.
Col, I agree, the characters and setting would pull me towards this comtemporary novel, as would terms like American outlaw, US marshal, wild Texas, and Gulf War veteran.
ReplyDeletePrashant, thanks. This book has a lot going for it and a lot going on..
DeleteThis sounds good, but I am not sure it is for me. I will have to mull it over.
ReplyDeleteHmm, I'm not too sure if you would enjoy it or not TBH Tracy.
Delete