Rating: 
Summary: Good Page Turner
Review: This is a good page turner of a mystery. The plot is a good tight mystery with some great twists and turns. The leading man - an agent with the Wyoming AG's office that investigates politically sensitive cases - is compelling and sympathetic. He battles his own demons as he battles the "bad guys". Woven throughout are his rock-climbing trips up the sides of mountains that add a different ingredient to the tale. The other characters - a wheezing, possibly dying boss; a near love-interest reporter; a group of on the edge rock climbers (and two clearly over the edge) and the ambitious up-and-coming politico-prosecutor - are all good and add to the book. The best supporting cast member may be Oso, Agent Burns' bear-like dog.My primary criticism of this book is the super-human physicality of the main character. During the several days and nights this novel takes place, he is beaten severely more than a few times. Twice he ends up in a hospital room. Despite the beatings and lack of sleep, he not only keeps on ticking, but rock-climbs mountains in bad weather and at night that he would advise against doing in daylight. The credibility of this part of the book is diminished more as Burns constantly reminds us that he has not climbed in eighteen months. The author also bails the hero out a few times with the near miraculous appearance of the county's only good cop - who happens to be a mountain of a man in a mountaineering novel - and Burns' brother, whose appearance on the scene is even more improbable. I enjoyed the book and would recommend it. The above criticisms bring it from a 4 star to a 3 - but it is still enjoyable. The character is likeable so I expect to pick up the prequel which has been published.
Rating: 
Summary: Rock Climbing Thrills And Courtroom Drama
Review: This story takes place in Laramie Wyoming. Anton Burns, the engaging lead character, is an agent with the Wyoming Department of Criminal Investigation and an amateur rock climber. Several murders in Laramie are starting to look similar to Burns. Two men are on trial and facing the death penalty, but the accidental death of a woman rock climber that agent Burns is investigating seems to have evidence that points towards murder and has some clues in common with the sensational murder case being tried in court. As Burns gathers evidence to support his theory, he has to deal with some very serious personal issues. McKenzie weaves an ambitious plot that comes together in an action filled conclusion. Rock climbing scenes interspersed with courtroom drama keep the reader interested throughout the story. Anton Burns is a great character and I would welcome more stories about him. However, my favorite character in this book is Ozo, Burns' Mastiff-type dog, who goes everywhere with him. Ozo even `spots' Anton on his solo climbs. Put a dog in a story, any story, and you have won me over. This was a very good debut novel.
Rating:
Summary: Rock Climbing Thrills And Courtroom Drama
Review: This story takes place in Laramie Wyoming. Anton Burns, the engaging lead character, is an agent with the Wyoming Department of Criminal Investigation and an amateur rock climber. Several murders in Laramie are starting to look similar to Burns. Two men are on trial and facing the death penalty, but the accidental death of a woman rock climber that agent Burns is investigating seems to have evidence that points towards murder and has some clues in common with the sensational murder case being tried in court. As Burns gathers evidence to support his theory, he has to deal with some very serious personal issues. McKenzie weaves an ambitious plot that comes together in an action filled conclusion. Rock climbing scenes interspersed with courtroom drama keep the reader interested throughout the story. Anton Burns is a great character and I would welcome more stories about him. However, my favorite character in this book is Ozo, Burns' Mastiff-type dog, who goes everywhere with him. Ozo even 'spots' Anton on his solo climbs. Put a dog in a story, any story, and you have won me over. This was a very good debut novel.
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