The Lost Ones by Ace Atkins is a novel taking place in the fictional Tibbehah County, Mississippi. This is the second bookin “The Ranger” series, which was also the name of the first book.
Buy this book in paper or electronic format
More Books by Ace Atkins
The Lost Ones by Ace Atkins (website | Facebook) returns familiar and new characters in the series. Quinn Colson, a former Army Ranger, his family, friends and nemesis. Ace Atkins, in my opinion, is one of the best and active Americana writers. I have read several of his historical fiction books (many set in the 1920s) and enjoyed them tremendously. Mr. Atkins’ foray into fiction proved to me that he is a capable writer and is here for the long haul.
The author has an uncanny ability to paint a picture with few words. It’s amazing that he describes a scene or a person with just the right amount of verbiage letting the reader do most of the work according to their understanding. Atkins draws county where “new in town” means you’ve been there for only ten years, Sonic is the go to place to get a meal and you still think of girls you knew with their maiden name attached.
There is a lot going on in this book, Mexican drug gangs, child abuse, baby racketeering, family drama and small town corruption yet the book moves along slowly, well paced letting the reader take in the multiple storylines as if strolling in the park on a lazy summer day.
The character of Quinn Colson is bound to become a phenomena in pop-culture much like Jack Reacher or Cotton Malone. I can see a fan based built around this character who is a peaceful warrior who has many issues most of us have. Mexican drug gangs are just as big an issue as a disturbed sister or an Army buddy who needs a job. That is how life is, there are no small problems – it’s all personal.
While I never visited the Deep South, this novel was still a pleasure to read. Mr. Atkins has a way of portraying his characters in a believable, moving manner. The stories take on a life of their own with the excellent dialog and characters’ motivations while the suspense and implied violence kept me at the edge of my seat.
The Ranger by Ace Atkins
So tell me, what is your favorite series featuring a recurring character?
Quinn Colson resigned from the Army Rangers to become Sheriff of Tibbehah County, Mississippi, his uncle’s old job. A Mexican cartel is seemed to be getting guns from a gun store his friend owns and at the same time an abused child case sends the sheriff and his deputy to discover a child bootleg ring.
Zohar – Man of la Book
Disclaimer: I got this book for free.
BOOK BLOGGERS – Have you read The Lost Ones? If so link up your review below:
The plot might be overstuffed, but I enjoyed the new characters. Moneypenny is COO of…
A.H. Raskin (26 April, 1911 – 22 December, 1993) was a reporter, writer, and assistant…
I hated the author’s passive-aggressive agenda. It just rubbed me the wrong way and seemed…
Teachers can help kids stay strong in bad times, and together they can strive by…
Sarah Kemble Knight - teacher & diarist. Her journey from Boston to New York provides…
Billy Boyle wakes up in Sicily, with amnesia. He doesn’t remember what happened, or who…
This website uses cookies.
View Comments
Wow, sounds like an immensely cool read. It especially appeals to me given that 1) I like mystery/crime, and 2) I'm from the deep south. The made up county also reminded me of Faulkner's Yoknapatawpha County. It was even set it Mississippi, too. And really, you can't pick any better literary inspiration.
Thanks for reviewing this one. I'm going to have to keep it on my radar for future acquisitions. :)
Jonathan, you would love it.