Book Review: The Ranger by Ace Atkins

About:

“The Ranger” by Ace Atkins (website | Facebook) is a fictional book following a hometown hero fight for right. This is the first in a new series.

• 352 pages
• Publisher: G.P. Putnam’s Sons
• Language : English
• ISBN-10: 0399157484

My rat­ing for The Ranger— 4
Buy The Ranger from Amazon.com*
More Books by Ace Atkins*

Thoughts:

I have read several books by Ace Atkins and was very excited when I heard that Atkins is coming up with a new book. Even though all the ones I read tread the waters of historical fiction and “The Ranger” is a fictional book . Mr. Atkins’ writing style, southern locals and overall feel of his books are what kept me coming back.

The story revolves around Army Ranger Quinn Colson, a tough veteran who comes back home and lays down the law on the bad guys.
I know what you’re thinking: “I’ve seen this before” – and you’re right, the story isn’t very original but the setting, writing and cast of characters make this book a work of art.

The story takes place in northern Mississippi, somewhere around Memphis in the fictional Tibbehah County. The cast of characters are the opposite of what a northerner like myself would imagine the southern sunny happy-go-lucky folks to be.

Quite the opposite in-fact, if Tibbehah County wasn’t fictional we might have had to take have the Rangers take it over and cleanse it out. The county is inhabited with mean, ignorant, violent and unhinged people that ever populated Mississippi.
All of which makes a captivating read from a southern author.

The action is fast, there are no unnecessary speeches, sympathies or soliloquies. Colson is a man of few words, with faults who walks a gray line between right and wrong.
A modern western set in the south.

“The Ranger” is not only an origin story, but also a crazy ride into the shadows of Mississippi and I’m looking forward to read the next book in the series.

So tell me, are you willing to overlook the story for the writing and characters?

Synopsis:

Army Ranger Quinn Colson is coming back home to the funeral of his uncle who also happen to be the local sheriff. Colson is a tough solider, a warrior veteran of both Iraq and Afghanistan and is dismayed to hear that his uncle has committed suicide.

Quickly Colson learns that the sheriff might have been murdered and starts digging more into the case. Combined with family issues, high school baggage and teen pregnancy, Colson has his work cut out for him.

Buy The Ranger from Amazon.com*
More Books by Ace Atkins*

Zohar – Man of la Book
Disclaimer: I got this book for free.
*Ama­zon links point to an affil­i­ate account, the money is usually spent on books
Article first published as Book Review: The Ranger by Ace Atkins on Blogcritics.

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