Montana Books

I am finding it a lot harder to get into this one, than some of the others in the series.

I've followed the Calder family for 3 gererations now and am looking forward to reading about the next 2. Can't put these books down.

Webb fought the newcomer's who rushed to claim grasslands where Calder cattle grazed. Lilli is a proud young immigrant married to a man who instigates fights with the Calder's. When her husband dies, she marries Webb and they fight droughts and harsh weather together along with Webb's nemesis Krueger. This man goes mad and kills Lilli. Webb is devasted. The love of his life... he only had a couple of years...is dead. BUT....they had a son, Chase!

I attended a scene-building workshop with Mr. Raoul in 1980. I learned techniques that I use to this very day. A few short years later I purchased this book. I used it to death. (A book can only take so much sawdust and glue!) I bought a second copy which I subsequently gave to an up-and-coming technical director and then purchased my third copy. I seldom have to consult it anymore, as I have learned most of it by heart, but occasionally I will refer to it for an "odd" problem, and it is an excellent teaching resource. The illustrations perfectly illustrate the concepts being taught. The text is humorous but not at the expense of being informative. The section on "shop math" alone is worth the purchase price!

This book will not teach you how to design a set, but it will most definitely teach you how to build the pieces that make up most common stage scenery. Not only that, but you will be able to reuse most, if not all, of the pieces time and time again, which is a God-send for any theater on a budget! (And what theater isn't?!)

i am a visual learner, and this book definately helps. lots of visuals for anything about stock scenery construction.

good buy!

This book is written in an easy to understand, humorous way. Mr. Raoul has set a standard for building stock scenery, what scenery to stock, easy to follow steps for difficult units, and basic information for the novice. From the youngset to the more mature, this finely crafted work speaks in clear language to lead the uninitiated and the experienced toward higher quality scenery and more flexibility in achieving artistic goals on limited budgets.

Claire Frayn is a post graduate student majoring in biology at George Washington University; her brother Steven is studying law at the school and enjoys writing articles criticizing the government. Claire and Steven head to the university together while their parents debate his latest condemnation, this time of the Department of Justice's use of the Freedom for Democracy Act to trample on individual rights under the guise of keeping people safe. At the school's library, an assassin shoots and kills Steven right near Claire

Claire goes through the five steps of grief, but wants revenge against the killer who conveniently escapes law enforcement; however she feels helpless as she has no idea who he or she is or how to uncover the culprit's identity. From Michigan, music composer Victor Duarte contacts Claire informing her he can help her with her need to avenge her sibling. She is enticed by his offer as her family remains devastated by the tragedy and is not there for her. However, as Claire heals she begins to ponder who charismatic Victor is, as he seems to know too much yet the second civil war in her mind began with that bullet on the library steps.

Though the introduction to the extended Frayn family takes its time, once Steven is murdered, the story line turns into a terrific thriller that never slows down until the climax. Claire is a wonderful heroine struggling with the death of her brother as much as with her feelings of hopelessness until Victor offers her an opportunity. Like Claire when she begins to regain her equilibrium and leave behind much of the fog of grief, readers will wonder if she has agreed to a Faustian deal. Readers will be a student of Susan Richards Shreve following this tense tale.

Harriet Klausner

Not knowing what to expect, I paged through this book a few minutes before I needed to hit the freeway. Mistake. I can't remember finding a modern novel so compelling. I could not put it down. Came back from my mtg and stay up until I finished it. The ending was a surprise, but believable and not a let down. At times the narrator seemed younger than her Ph.D. level age -- but otherwise I was completely drawn in with that wonderful experience of a book that graps you by your eyes and won't let go.

A couple of days later after I read the last page, I still find myself thinking about the world of A Student of Living Things. Recommend it full out.

The heart of the Frayn family is centered in their home, where they gather for safety in a world drastically changed and unpredictable post 9/11. The country has lapsed into unilateral paranoia, small revolutions breaking out, random violence and political unrest, the National Guard familiar figures on the streets of Washington, DC. Brother and sister, Steven and Claire, are inseparable, best friends; when Steven is shot and killed on the steps of George Washington University, Claire is only a few steps away. The family is devastated by the loss of the articulate, motivated Steven, who penned fearless op-ed articles and engaged in active debate about the post 9/11 political climate. His death is a terrible shock to the family, almost impossible to fathom, each of them struggling to acknowledge that safety exists only in the imagination. Mourning, Claire feels Steven's loss grievously, until she discovers an opportunity to set things right, perhaps even the score for the loss of her brother.

In this touching tale, tenderness is found in the midst of grief, hope surfacing unexpectedly, Claire's intuition as a scientist eventually rescuing her from the emotions that have propelled her decisions, assumptions she has accepted without question in the wake of Steven's death: "The mind... is a curious thing, the way it grips the tracks once it's on course." It is during this time of great melancholy and confusion that Claire embraces life once again with the same enthusiasm she knew when her brother was still alive, only to learn a terrible lesson: "Sadness has the weight of nothing else I know". A love story in the heart of chaos, Claire, a biologist, is thrust into unfamiliar territory in an emotional conflict she is ill-prepared to confront. Yet survive she does, thanks to the guidance and patience of eccentric parents and extended family, a desert bloom in the arid wasteland of a country that has lost its bearings, falling victim to threat and intimidation.

The author has fashioned an unusual tale of familial love, loss and betrayal, the Frayn family fracturing after Steven's murder, yet, almost subconsciously, moving closer, each in his own way to repair the damage of their loss and redefine their commitment. The characters are finely drawn, their tentative striving to reconnect indicative of the values they share, a recognition that only time and love can heal some wounds. The story is charged with undefined menace, the plot further complicated by a surprising twist, where hope surfaces in spite of imminent danger. A Student of Living Things is a reflection on modern times, where invincibility has given way to vulnerability, the human spirit indomitable and victorious in the face of fear. Luan Gaines/ 2006.

This is a memoir of a boyhood in Montana, on the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains, during the horse-and-buggy years of the early 20th century. Shatraw's father was a farmer-rancher and also owner-operator of a horse-driven thrashing machine. When raising cattle proves unprofitable, he takes up sheep raising, but it is thrashing finally that pays the bills.

The second oldest of a large family of children, the author recalls the pleasures and adventures of growing up in an isolated rural community with a one-room schol, whose schoolmarm teacher resides at the Shatraws', thereby turning their log house into a place of interest for local young bachelors. Neighbors gather to put up buildings and shingle roofs, and there are dances and box socials for entertainment, even in the midst of a winter blizzard, of which there are many.

The title notwithstanding, not a lot of the book is devoted to the subject of thrashing. Instead, Shatraw covers a round of subjects that would interest a boy, including trips to town, cowboys and hired hands, sheep shearers, and Indians from the nearby Blackfoot reservation. In one darker episode, he tells a story of the son of an abusive neighbor who runs away from home in the dead of winter and freezes to death in the mountains. For the most part, however, this is meant to be a pleasantly entertaining book, its tone chiefly nostalgic, illustrated with nicely rendered drawings. Appropriate for young readers, too.

This is a warm and engaging memoire told with a wry and witty voice. It is an endearing view of life in the wilderness with all the beauty and difficulties of the Montana 'outback'. I felt like I really got to know these people and care about their lives. The book is truly an historical document told with humor. I'd recommend it for anyone with an interest in the West.

This is a charming and informative memory piece about a young boy growing up in Montana nearly 100 years ago. We meet family, friends, neighbors, Indians and colorful characters of all description. It's well written, fun and funny. Although they didn't think of themselves as pioneers, they really were, building a log house at the edge of the Rockies and ranching through the rigors of Montana's seasons. It's all true and the author had perfect recall. This book could span all age ranges from 10 to 100. We recommend it highly for Americana buffs.

TWO TIME (Traditional Mystery/Amateur Sleuth-Sam Acquillo-Long Island, NY-Cont) - G+
Knopf, Chris - 2nd in series
The Permanent Press, 2007, US Hardcover - ISBN: 1579621295
First Sentence: Sometimes at sunset over the East End of Long Island God plays artist, spraying pinky red paint all over the sky.

Sam Acquillo is a retired engineer and ex-boxer living in East Hampton, Long Island. While at a restaurant, Sam sees a man, financial consultant, get into his car, answer his cell phone and be firebomed to the point of evaporation and severely injuring Sam's lady friend. Sam, informally assisting his friend and cop, Joe Sullivan, finds the victim's agoraphobic widow, obstructive attorney, strange artist brother and mother who has been virtually abandoned in a senior's home. But Sam also find a possible relationship with his neighbor, Amanda.

What makes this book different from others is the perspective of an engineer's approach to solving a murder, as well as the protagonist living in the Hamptons, but not being among the moneyed set. Sam is an interesting character who has grown since the first book. Knopf knows how to create diverse characters and has a great ear for dialogue. I enjoyed the setting but found it read a bit like MapQuest at times with all the exact directions. Still, Knopf is an interesting writer and I'm definitely looking forward to his third book.

Ex-boxer, retired engineer, Sam Aquillo is determined to do nothing more than work on a house addition and watch the sunsets outside of his Long Island home. However, when he meets a friend for a drink, a car bomb explodes, killing the driver, a wealthy financial consultant, and several people sitting outside the bar. When the police become mired in dead ends and misleading clues, Sam is persuaded to make his own inquiries into the murder, both for his friend's sake, who was wounded by the exploding glass, and for the widow of the victim, an agoraphobe. As with most good mysteries, the answers are to be found in the strange life of the bomb's primary target, the well-to-do and successful consultant.

The scenes are moody, the characters quirky, and Sam Aquillo is just as world-weary a hero as the characters in a Dashiell Hammett novel. In fact, there are several references to Hammett in Two Time, which suggests Aquillo's first name isn't accidental. The plot of this book, however, is better than any of Hammett's, and I recommend this novel as more of a satisfying literary mystery than a cosy.

In the first few pages of his second appearance (after "The Last Refuge"), Hamptons native and recent returnee Sam Acquillo nearly gets blown up while sipping Absolut on the deck of a dockside restaurant in East Hampton.

Sam's skills and powers of observation as an ex-boxer and engineer save him and his lawyer friend Jackie from the fate of the other patrons when a car bomb kills its target and five others. Alerted by the color of the roiling fire inside the car after the initial blast, he vaults the deck railing and manhandles Jackie to relative safety before a second blast - a lot stronger than the fire explosion Sam expected - all but vaporizes the fellow drinkers he'd been casually denigrating just moments before.

Sam, a bit of a brooder and misanthrope, doesn't like too many people but he's loyal to the few he calls friends. He's been back in the Hamptons for five years, licking his wounds and drinking to the sunsets over Little Peconic Bay behind the cottage his mean-drunk father built when Sam was a kid.

A couple months after the blast, with Jackie still undergoing surgeries to repair her face and Sam's hearing slowly returning, his cop friend Joe Sullivan asks Sam to help out in the stalled investigation. The dead guy was an investment analyst with a roster of fancy clients and Joe thinks Sam, with his corporate background and MIT education, might have a better idea what questions to ask than the local cops.

From the wealthy agoraphobic wife and her controlling lawyer to the unhappy mob-connected client and the flamboyant artist brother, Sam follows a few false leads and attracts a fair amount of violence before wisecracking his way to a clever conclusion.

The plotting and the dry, witty repartee evoke shades of Raymond Chandler while the glitz and grit of the Hamptons new and old provide a salty, vivid setting and Sam Acquillo is a likable fellow in his deadpan way. A must read for fans of noir and good writing.

--Portsmouth Herald

A wonderful book I couldn't put down. I can't wait for Ms. Graham's next book.

Darlene Graham presents her readers with a true gift in her latest novel, "Under Montana Skies." This fascinating story is set in the beautiful Big Sky country of Montana, and contains some of the best elements of a fine romance: desire, passionate love, mysterious intrigue and a happy-ever-after ending. And getting to that delicious ending is half the fun in this mesmirizing page-turner. Graham once again proves herself a formidible newcomer to watch for in the romance world.

In Texas, Stuart Hayden Crestwood III was leaving his third wife Laura Duncan Crestwood because she cannot deliver him the heir to the family fortune. When the divorce is final, Stuart will marry his next wife, Charlene. To insure that there will be no frivolous law suits, especially from Laura, Stuart has the family fortune of nine million buried in a Cook Island trust fund. Laura manages to grab some of his money in a questionable manner before vanishing into the night.

Four years later in the farthest area within the remote Kootenai National Forest in Montana, wealthy Adam Scott lives a reclusive life as he recovers from the accident that killed his wife and child. He goes through therapists like Yogi Bear goes through picnic baskets. Laura Duncan is the latest victim to arrive on the scene to work on his shoulder. As the difficult Adam and the secretive Laura begin to work together in close proximity, they fall in love. However, she was burned once by a wealthy male and the accident that nearly destroyed his life turns out to a deliberate act perpetrated by an unknown assailant who plans to complete the job.

UNDER MONTANA SKIES is an entertaining romantic suspense novel starring two scarred individuals. The story line is exciting as Adam and Laura struggle against their attraction for each other. The contrast between the serenity of the national park and her ex and the killers add to the wonderful feel of the tale. Big Sky country and several locals provide color that makes readers believe they are in a remote section of the state. Darlene Graham takes her audience on a fabulous journey that readers of regional romances and intrigue will abundantly relish.

Harriet Klausner

Very Much a Lady by Shana Alexander is the immensely readable story of Jean Harris. For anyone who has lost track of yesterday's headlines, Harris is the headmistress of a girls' school who shot and killed her lover, Herman Tarnower, a respected cardiologist who authored the best-selling Complete Scarsdale Diet Book. To this day, Harris maintains that the fatal shooting of Dr. Tarnower was an accident that occurred when the doctor fought with her over the gun she planned to use to kill herself. Alexander traces of the lives of Harris and Tarnower from childhood on and sees the seeds of destruction planted early on. The same character traits which brought them together as lovers doomed them to a terrible ending. Harris's relationship with her impossible-to-please father formed her early identity as a "good girl" and led to her need for a dominant male image to shore up her shaky sense of self. The classic overachiever, Harris had to excel in any project! she tackled. She craved stimulation which she failed to get from her brief first marriage to a decent but unexciting man. Harris divorced him and began a fourteen-year-long love affair with Dr. Tarnower. The latter was a dedicated physician with old-fashioned attitudes toward women. There is one puzzling aspect to the tale that deserves fuller attention than Alexander gives it: Harris's religious background. According to Alexander, Jean Harris's Mom was a devout Christian Scientist. The irony of Jean's passion for a doctor should have been examined in light of the Christian Science beliefs into which she had been indoctrinated during her childhood--but this is ignored by Alexander. The jury rejected Harris's version of events and found her guilty of murder. Alexander, who is unabashadly Harris's partisan, brilliantly dissects the defense errors which led to conviction. Amongst the chief of these were her attorney's misguided interpretation of the explosive Scarsdale ! Letter, the distance between the accused and the jury in cl! a** and background, and the failure of her attorney to understand the personality of this brittle, high-strung "lady." In a story laced with ironies, the greatest is that in the version of events told by the prosecutor and accepted by the jury, Herman Tarnower is just another murder victim whereas according to Harris's defense Tarnower died a heroic death, tragically jeopardizing his life to save hers,

Shana Alexander's Very Much a Lady and Diana Trilling's Mrs. Harris: The Death of the Scarsdale Diet Doctor are complementary books about a fascinating case: the murder of Dr. Tarnower by his lover Jean Harris.

It is Jean Harris' motive in killing Dr. Tarnower that interests these two writers. Jean Harris was neither psychotic nor particularly violent. In some ways, she seemed the classic example of the woman wronged. In other ways, she seemed the classic example of the 1950s woman coping uneasily and unsuccessfully in the changed world of the 1980s and in still other ways, she seemed the eternal victim of circumstance.

Both writers agree that the punishment did not fit the crime. Mrs. Harris did not intend to kill Dr. Tarnower and in law, intent does matter. Shana Alexander spends more time than Diana Trilling in exploring the mistakes made by the defense (such as their refusal to plead to a lesser charge), and she is more critical of the prosecution. Both writers, however, are primarily interested in Jean Harris' character. Their differing approaches regarding the latter are at the heart of these similar, yet ultimately distinct, books.

Shana Alexander is an objective partisan. She is honest about Jean Harris' flaws, but it is clear both from her tone and the accumulation of biographical information that she considers Jean Harris not as a victim but as a basically sane and not unlikable human being pushed beyond her limits by her culture, her background, her medical history and her own psychology. She doesn't exculpate Jean Harris but neither does she condemn her.

Diana Trilling, on the other hand, is far less partisan and far more critical. She sees in Jean Harris a woman who sacrificed her intellectual integrity for a sordid affair. She is disgusted by Mrs. Harris' behavior during the trial and appalled by the letter written by Mrs. Harris to Dr Tarnower before the killing (and never actually read by him). Shana Alexander, on the other hand, while agreeing that the letter condemned Mrs. Harris in the eyes of the jury (even in the evidence did not) bemoans the lack of prescience by Jean Harris' defense in presenting the letter in court. Her defense, Shana Alexander argues, did not understand Jean Harris and were therefore unable to successfully present the problems of the case both to Jean Harris herself and to the jury.

The similarities and differences between Shana Alexander and Diana Trilling make their two books excellent complements. I recommend reading Diana Trillling's book first since it is the "outsider's" take on the case. Shana Alexander's book then will give the reader a closer look at a troubled woman and a bizarre, perhaps avoidable, tragedy.

I didn't come to this book "cold." I have seen interviews with and documentary TV programs about Mrs. Harris, read another book about her, and viewed both HBO's "Mrs. Harris" and an earlier, excellent TV movie about her trial which utilized trial transcripts for the dialogue. Shana Alexander's detailed, nuanced book about the life of the woman whom she quickly came to admire and sympathize with gets my vote, however, for how Mrs. Harris should be remembered. Being mesmerized by need and wonderful memories into continuing in an increasingly unrewarding, even degrading, relationship is a phenomenon which both men and women, uneducated or as impressively literate as Jean Harris, can understand. Things can go terribly wrong, particularly when one partner in the relationship seemingly is incapable of true commitment or even of empathy (Dr. T), and the other is under the spell of not only of lost love remembered but of sudden forced withdrawal from mood-altering, inappropriately prescribed medication. Ms. Alexander's book gives a fascinating, multi-faceted look at an uber-capable, extremely responsible adult female who goes through the windshield one appropriately dark and stormy night after long-term endurance of disrespect, flagrant cheating, and neglect and short-term drug-induced crashing depression and panic. Before being released from prison, Jean Harris spent years helping her fellow inmates and their children and writing lucid, compassionate books about this experience; much to her credit, her excellent biographer includes this information in this book. I hope Mrs. Harris, whenever she passes away, lives through the admiration and love of her own children, whom she cared for more than herself, as well as that of a wider audience introduced to her in this work. As for Dr. Tarnower, I hope he is remembered as what Mrs. Harris feared he would be: a "diet Doc."

This is a charming book about the difficult life of an abandoned wife of a family in early Montana years that has to support them. Because early Montana schools did not have money to fund full year rural schools many times, she had to move her brood mid-year sometimes to yet another location she could find to teach & keep them together. Her daughter has written a lovely book that is a tribute to her Mom & the positive attitude with which they were raised/taught through this difficult life.

Nedra Sterry is a great story teller. This is a throughly enjoyable read; it does get a bit confusing to follow as it isn't written cronologically. Aside from that, it could have been written about any number of Montana school teachers and their families, trials, and tribulations.

Being from that part of MT myself, I found this book quite compelling and a very easy read. I found myself asking questions and then being surprised at the answers it took me awhile to find out after it dawned on me what was happening. I admire the perseverance of the women who pioneered the frontier.

Nedra, you did a great job conveying the hora of living in that land back in the day. We all know it was hard but re-living it through your eyes brings it closer to reality. All we can really say, is thank God for your mother and her strong faith in education.

I enjoyed the book very much and wish that more people would take advantage of this opportunity to learn about some of the stories of our foremothers so to speak.

In A WIFE FOR OWEN CHASE, Kristine Rolofson offers her reader lighthearted amusement . . . brain candy . . . if you will . . . and sometimes readers need that! Kristine Rolofson holds fast to her delightful writing technique and her story blossoms easily.

Mini Synopsis:
In the small town of Bliss, Montana, the members of the Hearts club concentrate on their annual matchmaking list. This year, the four elderly ladies deem bachelor Owen Chase will serve as their lead candidate. The man ran a ranch; dedicated his life to raising his nieces; and he almost never went out on a date.

Suzanne Greenway sat in a lovely room in the home of the Bliss sisters, Ella and Louise. The old dears had kindly consented to meet with her and share some of their reflections on the town's Annual Matchmaking Festival. Suzanne's latest writing assignment was simple enough: get to Montana, take a few photos, and write an in-depth story about getting married. Or, as Suzanne reflected - the cowboy orgy story! Certainly, she had not expected the tall, robust rancher in a buckskin coat to be "her featured bachelor." And when the man said he liked red hair, Suzanne suddenly felt like an infatuated teenager! She best remember she was a writer and not Owen Chase's date!

Owen was about to make a complete fool of himself! It was the classic Montana cowboy versus the sophisticated city-girl tale. He had never been good with women and now a long-legged beauty wanted to follow him around. Good grief, Owen Chase's pride didn't stand a chance! What was it about a stylish woman with reddish-blonde curls?

Reviewer's Comments:
Marvelous! I have discovered another interesting author. Kristine Rolofson's writing is very reminiscent of a "sexually toned down" Lori Foster story. Rolofson delivers alpha-male heros and vulnerable spirited heroines. It seems the best-loved authors always manage to create a world their readers want to spend some time in! In A WIFE FOR OWEN CHASE, Kristine Rolofson offers such a world.

Book 1 - Montana Matchmakers series
Grade: B
Status: page-turner
Sensuality: warm

MaryGrace Meloche.

Suzanne Greenway's fiancé left her at the altar six months ago. She sent chunks of cake home with the guests, gave the flowers to a senior citizen's home, and disavowed marriage. Then her editor sent Suzanne to Bliss, Montana to cover the annual Matchmaking Festival. Now she's the only woman in Bliss who doesn't want a man. Not even a sexy man with a heart of gold.

Owen Chase is the consummate bachelor, raising his dead sister's children while running a ranch. He wouldn't mind being married, but hasn't the time for courtship rituals and doesn't care for the fact that he's at the top of the matchmaking list. Also doesn't have the time to be the subject of Suzanne article; that is, until others offer to step in for the privilege.

A WIFE FOR OWEN CHASE contains a wonderful premise. With a card club devoted to playing hearts and matchmaking, an eighty-something senior citizen ready to find a man, and a man who loves children, fun is had by all. Unfortunately, the plot's a bit thin, lacking the conflict to create a truly dazzling read. Nevertheless, A WIFE FOR OWEN CHASE is light, pleasant entertainment for poolside reading. Recommended.

Six months ago her fiancé jilted Suzanne Greenway at the altar, leading the reporter to renounce marriage as simply a bad deal definitely not for her. I is therefore ironic that her editor sends Suzanne to cover the Annual Matchmaking Festival in the aptly named Bliss, Montana. She is one of the only single female in town not seeking a male.

Owen Chase has no time for dating because his plate is overflowing with responsibilities from his ranch and caring for his deceased sister's children. In spite of his situation, many of the ladies in Bliss, including a visiting reporter, consider him prime marital beef. If he will only find the time for Suzanne and if she will only move past her previous rejection, this duo could share a lifetime of happiness together.

Kristine Rolofson writes an amusing light romp that stars two nice lead characters and a cast of eccentrics. A WIFE FOR OWEN CHASE is funny because of the antics of the ensemble that enables the humor to overcome a shallow story line. Fans who enjoy an agreeable contemporary romance filled with mirth and a wink or two will want to relax with Ms. Rolofoson's cheerful tale.

"Wolf, No Wolf" will never make the Sierra Club's list of recommended reading. It is third in a series of mysteries starring Gabriel Du Pré, the Métis descendant of French Voyageurs and Plains Indians, and it is rabidly anti-environmentalist and pro-rancher.

Rabid or not, such is the power of Bowen's writing and the nobility of his characters that even clean, green bunny-huggers (like me) might end up voting for the ranchers and against the re-introduction of wolves into Big Sky Country at story's end.

All of the regulars at Touissant Bar are part of the action in "Wolf, No Wolf." Du Pré, master fiddler and part-time brand inspector is cast in the role of peacemaker. With help from his friends, the Shaman Benetsee, Bart the rich-guy-turned-sheriff, Du Pré's long-time mistress, Madelaine, and Booger Tom, the ancient, homicidal cowhand, he braves avalanches, gunfire, and false medicine men in order to prevent open warfare between the ranchers and the Earth First! crowd.

There are good ranchers, and there are really evil ranchers who sell dead horses for dogmeat.

There are good FBI agents (not very many) who are either Montanans and/or part Amerindian. The vast majority of agents are feeble, clueless, and from out-of-state. Some of them are so dim-witted as to try and arrest the Shaman Benetsee, who plays a wonderful joke on them with his coyotes. (A previous reviewer compared Benetsee to Yoda. Boys and girls, that reviewer was dead-on. Lucasfilm© should take Peter Bowen to court for kidnapping.)

All of the environmentalists, New Age mystics, and Yuppies in "Wolf, No Wolf" are easily identified by their expensive, crassly-colored, mail-order garments of many pockets. They are even dumber than the FBI agents, and are easily led astray, even unto death, by the book's true evil empire (sorry, Lucasfilm©).

And die they do, by avalanche and grizzly, by gunshot and knife, and by freezing to death in Alberta Clippers. The ranchers rescue as many as they can, but winter in Montana is truly hell-frozen-over. Some of Bowen's leanest, most vivid prose is devoted to descriptions of out-landers and cattle that venture out into the jaws of a Blue Northerly.

Better to stay in the Touissant Bar and drink fizzy, pink, screw-top wine, and listen to Du Pré fiddle the sad, old Voyageur songs.

If you like Dick Francis, you'll love Peter Bowen. Gabriel Du Pre, a Montana Metis, is more woodswise than Nevada Barr's Anna Pigeon, tougher than sun-shrunk rawhide, and thoroughly believable. Peter Bowen has captured the fiery independence of the REAL rural west

"Wolf, No Wolf" will never make the Sierra Club's list of recommended reading. It is third in a series of mysteries starring Gabriel Du Pré, the Métis descendant of French Voyageurs and Plains Indians, and it is rabidly anti-environmentalist and pro-rancher.

Rabid or not, such is the power of Bowen's writing and the nobility of his characters that even clean, green bunny-huggers (like me) might end up voting for the ranchers and against the re-introduction of wolves into Big Sky Country at story's end.

All of the regulars at Touissant Bar are part of the action in "Wolf, No Wolf." Du Pré, master fiddler and part-time brand inspector is cast in the role of peacemaker. With help from his friends, the Shaman Benetsee, Bart the rich-guy-turned-sheriff, Du Pré's long-time mistress, Madelaine, and Booger Tom, the ancient, homicidal cowhand, he braves avalanches, gunfire, and false medicine men in order to prevent open warfare between the ranchers and the Earth First! crowd.

There are good ranchers, and there are really evil ranchers who sell dead horses for dogmeat.

There are good FBI agents (not very many) who are either Montanans and/or part Amerindian. The vast majority of agents are feeble, clueless, and from out-of-state. Some of them are so dim-witted as to try and arrest the Shaman Benetsee, who plays a wonderful joke on them with his coyotes. (A previous reviewer compared Benetsee to Yoda. Boys and girls, that reviewer was dead-on. Lucasfilm© should take Peter Bowen to court for kidnapping.)

All of the environmentalists, New Age mystics, and Yuppies in "Wolf, No Wolf" are easily identified by their expensive, crassly-colored, mail-order garments of many pockets. They are even dumber than the FBI agents, and are easily led astray, even unto death, by the book's true evil empire (sorry, Lucasfilm©).

And die they do, by avalanche and grizzly, by gunshot and knife, and by freezing to death in Alberta Clippers. The ranchers rescue as many as they can, but winter in Montana is truly hell-frozen-over. Some of Bowen's leanest, most vivid prose is devoted to descriptions of out-landers and cattle that venture out into the jaws of a Blue Northerly.

Better to stay in the Touissant Bar and drink fizzy, pink, screw-top wine, and listen to Du Pré fiddle the sad, old Voyageur songs.