In the Moon of Red Ponies

A Novel

By: James Lee Burke

Narrated by: Tom Stechschulte

Haunting suspense and captivating villains, the hallmark of James Lee Burke’s bestselling novels of evil and redemption, are brilliantly evoked in his new Billy Bob Holland opus, the follow-up to the popular and critically acclaimed Bitterroot.

“James Lee Burke tells a story in a style all his own, in language that's alive, electric. He's a master at setting mood, laying in atmosphere, all with quirky dialogue that's a delight.” —Elmore Leonard

In James Lee Burke’s last novel featuring Billy Bob Holland, Bitterroot, the former Texas Ranger left his home state to help a friend threatened by the most dangerous sociopath Billy Bob had ever faced. After vanquishing a truly iniquitous collection of violent individuals, Billy moved his family to west Montana and hung out a shingle for his law practice. But in In the Moon of Red Ponies, he discovers that jail cells have revolving doors and that the government he had sworn to serve may have become his enemy.

His first client in Missoula is Johnny American Horse, a young activist for land preservation and the rights of Native Americans. Johnny is charged with the murder of two mysterious men—who seem to have recently tried to kill Johnny themselves, or at least scare him off his political causes. As Billy Bob investigates, he discovers a web of intrigue surrounding the case and its players: Johnny's girlfriend, Amber Finley, as reckless as she is defiant—and the daughter of one of Montana's US senators; Darrel McComb, a Missoula police detective who is obsessed with Amber; and Seth Masterson, an enigmatic government agent whose presence in town makes Billy Bob wonder why Washington has become so concerned with an obscure murder case on the fringes of the Bitterroot Mountains.

As complications mount and the dead bodies multiply, Billy Bob is drawn closer to the truth behind Johnny American Horse’s arrest—and discovers a greater danger to himself and to his whole family. How Billy Bob strikes back at evil and protects his kin is the masterful triumph of In the Moon of Red Ponies.

Beautifully written, with an intriguing plot and characters whose conflicts seem as real as life itself, this novel shows James Lee Burke again in the top form that has made him a critical favorite and a national bestseller.©2004 James Lee Burke; (P)2004 Simon & Schuster Inc. AUDIOWORKS is an imprint of Simon & Schuster Audio Division

Somewhat disappointing

This book was pretty good until the ending, which was very stupid. Apparently a case where the author just said I quit and I don’t want to write this anymore.

Billy Bob Moves to Montana

James Lee Burke gets better with age. While I still prefer the trashy underworld and Cajun swamps of Dave Robicheaux, the move to Montana for Billy Bob Holland suits him. Burke brings the Big Sky Country alive with his lyrical prose. Of course it's predictable, but in a comfortable way, like an old shoe. The narrator does an above average job.

Long ago my first James Lee Burke

Far and away my favorite book by one of my all time favorite authors! This is one worth many listens.

Characteristic JLB

Native mysticism, fundamentalist Christianity, chilling violence, natural beauty, human corruption and redemption, flawed heroes, veiled conspiracies, right-wing oppressors and liberal underdogs... all classic James Lee Burke, and present in force. These themes persist through most of his work. I personally could do without the Michael Moore anti-right conspiracy stuff (wicked, shadowy right wing forces are--fill in the blank, depending on the time of day--killing innocent natives, polluting rivers, starting wars on phony premises, etc.), but I love Burke's stuff nonetheless. I just shrug and enjoy the colorful characters, the righteous crusades, and the overarching human themes. Nobody like Burke, and I read everything of his that I can get my hands on.

Food for thought

In addition to being an engaging story, I appreciated the fact that it contains a thought-provoking theme. Without revealing too much of the plot, the theme revolves around the idea that people whom you may associate with a particular stereotype (e.g. psycopathic criminal or redneck bully cop) may surprise you with hidden depths. Not a bad idea at all.

My only niggle is with some of the character voices. The wife and the son of the main character particularly bothered me. The former was supposed to have a Texas accent, but it sounded more like Arkansas to me. The latter had a dopey "Far out, Dude" kind of voice that I don't think was congruent with his character.

But these are niggles. I enjoyed the book, and recommend it to others.