Friday, November 20, 2009

Where Armadillos Go to Die-James Hime

Where Armadillos Go to Die
James Hime
Minotaur, Nov 24 2009, $25.99
ISBN: 9780312534868

He may be the most hated person in Brenham, Texas due to his mean spirited racism, but his restaurant Bouree is also the most popular. No one makes catfish like Sylvester Bradshaw can. His repeat customers come for the great food and not for the small talk; just the way nasty Bradshaw prefers it.

Sylvester has invented a gizmo that people want a piece of the action, but he tells everyone to stick it up their butt. When he vanishes Sheriff Dewey Sharpe thinks nothing of it as he has personal problems dealing with erectile dysfunction that is more important to him than some ignoramus disappearing. Former Texas Ranger Jeremiah Spur learns that the man’s office was invaded and torn apart, he becomes concerned. However, when Bradshaw’s worried daughter asks him to investigate he agrees as he hopes an inquiry will help him reduce his worry over his hospitalized wife Martha suffering from E. coli food poisoning and besides he may be the only pal of rhe ornery Sylvester.

This is a fast-paced investigative tales as Texans prove tougher than E. coli. The story line is fast-paced from the onset and never slows down from the moment that Sylvester’s wife calls her daughter to tell her he never came home. Over the top of Guadalupe Peak, Where Armadillos Go to Die is an enjoyable thriller due to a wacky eccentric cast and a wonderful retired hero (see Scared Money and The Night of the Dance) who still has his moxie, Texas style.

Harriet Klausner

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