Review: An Obvious Fact

An Obvious Fact by Craig Johnson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Henry Standing Bear, I love you and I like you.  Walt, while I hold you in deep admiration, Henry has my whole heart.  

My favorite partners in crime (fighting) are headed to Sturgis.  Guess who is there waiting for them.  Lola.  THE Lola.  She finally makes an appearance, and she's just as crazy as you might expect.  The whole story I was picturing Cha Cha DiGregorio from Grease.  No judgment, Henry.  We all have some skeletons in our closets.  And her son was run off the road on his motorcycle, and he's in a coma.  Walt and Henry to the rescue, mostly.

Lots of plot threads happening with the ATF on the scene, family drama, and the Walt stepping on local law enforcement's toes left and right.  And some laugh out loud dialogue and hijinks, like you expect from Longmire.  I'm vaguely disappointed because we didn't get real answers to a few things and it left my wanting more, but all is forgiven because Henry and Walt are my favorite Wyoming boys.  3.5 stars, but not going to round up because it just didn't quite hit 4 star territory for me.

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Review: Angels Flight

Angels Flight by Michael Connelly
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another great entry in the Harry Bosch universe. Man, he's my kind of detective, but he really can't catch a break with his love life. Poor Harry! I love Bosch because he's lawful good, a kind of everyday Joe who fights for justice and just can't keep his mouth shut when things aren't right. He's one of my book boyfriends. Love them smart, gruff, and principled, I guess.

We have a couple of murders. One with a hot shot lawyer who loved suing cops. And a poor innocent lady in the wrong place at the wrong time. It's a complicated plot, and I have to be honest, I guessed way wrong on this one. I was surprised at the twists, so well played, Connelly. Bosch is awesome, and if you aren't reading this series, start at the beginning and get reading. You can thank me later.

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Review: Firestorm

Firestorm by Nevada Barr
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Anna, Anna, Anna. You continue to surprise me.

On an assignment from Mesa Verde to assist with the firefighters in Northern California, and she uncovers a killer. Don't worry, my boy Fredrick Stanton attempts to ride in on his white horse, but Anna doesn't need that. She's still not sure what she needs. She's a marshmallow inside, sure, but she's walnut hard on the outside.

Anyway, everyone's a suspect and they all seem shady, except Harold Black Elk who just seemed awesome. And Anna solves the case, puts herself in harm's way, and makes it home mostly in one piece. Can't wait to read book 5. Stanton, I'm pulling for your quirky self.

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Review: Ill Wind

Ill Wind by Nevada Barr
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

New book, new park. Anna's at my old location, Mesa Verde, so I loved reading this one. I sold a ton of this book in my stores when I worked there. It's interesting to be able to visualize each location while you are in the park. Minus the dead bodies, of course.

Shoved into seasonal housing, prickly Anna is winning friends and influencing people, as usual. But she starts to settle in, and quickly gets embroiled in sabotage for the pipeline threatening to ruin one of my favorite parks, and then murder. I have to admit I thought I had it figured out a couple of times, but was wrong. And then our old Fed Stanton comes, and Anna is off to the sparring races. I'm interested to see where they take this quasi-partnership in book 4.

I love this series because Nevada Barr allows us to armchair travel to our National Parks. They are my among my favorite places. Take care of them, visit them, and leave no trace.

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