HARD VALLEY CASH by Brian Panowich
HARD VALLEY CASH is the third Brian Panowich novel I have read and it does nothing to break his chain of successes. Like the first two, BULL MOUNTAIN and LIKE LIONS, it is also a searing story of modern day living in the mountains of north Georgia. This is a locale that brings along stern acting people and reads like pages torn out of a wild west thriller. You’ve got to read it to believe it.
The story focuses on Dane Kirby, a lawman looking to retire. He has spent his career doing various jobs and now is seeking some peace and solitude. But just when he thinks he is headed out the door he gets pulled in one more time. This time it is on a murder in Florida that is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Some guy has gotten himself killed and burned up in a motel room in Florida and because of Kirby’s background in arson he gets the call.
Soon the action shifts to Georgia due to the fact the murdered man had a younger brother. This kid has special needs and it is thought he might also be the target of the men who killed his brother. Large sums of money are involved.
Panowich is a balanced writer. His books contain scenes that are raw and searing but they are mixed in with scenes that are beautifully passionate. They are interconnected and always bring the reader back from the edge of sheer shock and fear. It takes a totally talented writer to be able to create such a perfect balance.
Dane Kirby is a man who inspires confidence and his personality dominates the story. His heart aches for the woman who got away but he is able to put away his melancholia and dive headfirst into a situation which requires him to be rough, tough and ready. To get by he relies on a little help from his friends and some of them are up to the task and some are not.
You may be touched by some of the tender scenes Brian Panowich writes and you might be inspired by some of aspects of Panowich’s story, But I can guarantee you will not be bored by HARD VALLEY CASH. It is a rip-roaring ride through the Georgia mountains that doesn’t catch its breath until the last page has arrived. Now who doesn’t want to read something like that!
HARD VALLEY CASH is published by Minotaur Books. It contains 304 pages and sells for $26.99.
Jackie K Cooper
www.jackiekcooper.com
