Robert K. R. (rikker) reviewed Dark Side of the River (Powder River, Bk 1) on + 193 more book reviews
A nice mystery with people who look out for each other.
Susan F. (scoutmomskf) -
Terrific start to the new series. In Powder River, two prominent ranching families have been feuding for many years - the McKenna and Stafford families. As the book goes on, the author reveals the reasons for the feud piece by piece as they relate to the story's action. The two main characters, Cooper McKenna and Tilly Stafford, have been fierce competitors in local rodeos for many years. But current events turn them into partners, and soon the sparks of animosity turn into sparks of a far more dangerous type.
As the book opens, Cooper is returning to the family ranch after two years away. He'd left to escape the memories of being accused of killing his girlfriend. But he's missed his home and is ready to rejoin the family. Shortly after driving onto the ranch property, a rider bursts onto the road in front of him. Barely stopping in time to keep from colliding, Cooper is stunned to discover the rider lying on the road in front of him is Oakley Stafford, Tilly's younger sister, and that she's been shot. Unfortunately, due to the ongoing feud, Cooper is immediately suspected of shooting her himself.
When Tilly finds out about Oakley, she's worried and furious. Her first reaction is that a McKenna shot her sister, but she also wonders what Oakley was doing on McKenna land. After meeting with Cooper and hearing what he observed, she is determined to find out who shot her sister. Nothing will dissuade her, so Cooper offers to work with her. He is just as invested in finding out the truth behind what happened.
A lot is going on in this book, and the action and suspense kept me hooked from beginning to end. Oakley is in a coma so that no one can get her side of the story. The shooting increases the tension between the two families. Both sides have oldest sons who are hotheaded and secretive, raising questions about what they are involved in. A methane gas company, CH4, is pushing ranchers to allow methane wells on their ranches - some are interested, others are vehemently against it. Holden brings a 12-year-old orphan to the ranch to raise after her mother's death, raising questions about the girl's connection to him. There are secrets involving Holden and Charlotte, including questions about the fates of Charlotte's two husbands.
To top it all off, working together to identify the shooter brings Cooper and Tilly closer than they ever expected to be. It isn't long before they realize that the antagonism they felt when they were younger covered a simmering attraction. The more time they spend together, the harder it becomes to deny the growing attraction and feelings between them. With the bad blood between their families, a successful relationship will take some effort. I liked their honest discussions about their feelings and the difficulties they face. Interestingly, there appeared to be more disapproval on one side than the other. I especially enjoyed Tilly's unexpected dinner at the McKenna ranch. Complicating matters, Tilly has had a few dates with Stuart, the town sheriff, and Cooper's best friend. Stuart's jealousy creates more tension and raises a few questions in my mind about one of his former girlfriends.
The story's suspense is good and kept me guessing who the shooter was. As Cooper and Tilly proceed with their investigation, it becomes clear that someone is determined to stop them. I was glued to the pages as they came closer to the who and the why. The shooter came as a complete surprise to me. The final confrontation was an intense chase with an unexpected ending. Justice is a thread left hanging, and it will be interesting to see if it is pursued in later books.
I am intensely curious about Holly Jo, the orphan brought to the ranch by Holden. In the beginning, she isn't a likable child, and Holden has his work cut out for him to adjust her attitude. Interestingly, Cooper is the one who connects with her. I liked his combination of understanding and firmness as he dealt with her. I want to know the backstory of how Holden became her guardian.
Though the mystery of the shooter was solved by the end of this book, other things still need to be addressed. I can't wait for the next book.
#netgalley
As the book opens, Cooper is returning to the family ranch after two years away. He'd left to escape the memories of being accused of killing his girlfriend. But he's missed his home and is ready to rejoin the family. Shortly after driving onto the ranch property, a rider bursts onto the road in front of him. Barely stopping in time to keep from colliding, Cooper is stunned to discover the rider lying on the road in front of him is Oakley Stafford, Tilly's younger sister, and that she's been shot. Unfortunately, due to the ongoing feud, Cooper is immediately suspected of shooting her himself.
When Tilly finds out about Oakley, she's worried and furious. Her first reaction is that a McKenna shot her sister, but she also wonders what Oakley was doing on McKenna land. After meeting with Cooper and hearing what he observed, she is determined to find out who shot her sister. Nothing will dissuade her, so Cooper offers to work with her. He is just as invested in finding out the truth behind what happened.
A lot is going on in this book, and the action and suspense kept me hooked from beginning to end. Oakley is in a coma so that no one can get her side of the story. The shooting increases the tension between the two families. Both sides have oldest sons who are hotheaded and secretive, raising questions about what they are involved in. A methane gas company, CH4, is pushing ranchers to allow methane wells on their ranches - some are interested, others are vehemently against it. Holden brings a 12-year-old orphan to the ranch to raise after her mother's death, raising questions about the girl's connection to him. There are secrets involving Holden and Charlotte, including questions about the fates of Charlotte's two husbands.
To top it all off, working together to identify the shooter brings Cooper and Tilly closer than they ever expected to be. It isn't long before they realize that the antagonism they felt when they were younger covered a simmering attraction. The more time they spend together, the harder it becomes to deny the growing attraction and feelings between them. With the bad blood between their families, a successful relationship will take some effort. I liked their honest discussions about their feelings and the difficulties they face. Interestingly, there appeared to be more disapproval on one side than the other. I especially enjoyed Tilly's unexpected dinner at the McKenna ranch. Complicating matters, Tilly has had a few dates with Stuart, the town sheriff, and Cooper's best friend. Stuart's jealousy creates more tension and raises a few questions in my mind about one of his former girlfriends.
The story's suspense is good and kept me guessing who the shooter was. As Cooper and Tilly proceed with their investigation, it becomes clear that someone is determined to stop them. I was glued to the pages as they came closer to the who and the why. The shooter came as a complete surprise to me. The final confrontation was an intense chase with an unexpected ending. Justice is a thread left hanging, and it will be interesting to see if it is pursued in later books.
I am intensely curious about Holly Jo, the orphan brought to the ranch by Holden. In the beginning, she isn't a likable child, and Holden has his work cut out for him to adjust her attitude. Interestingly, Cooper is the one who connects with her. I liked his combination of understanding and firmness as he dealt with her. I want to know the backstory of how Holden became her guardian.
Though the mystery of the shooter was solved by the end of this book, other things still need to be addressed. I can't wait for the next book.
#netgalley
