A while back in a “new to you” Friday instagram post, Ann Patchett gave the thumbs up to Attica Locke’s mystery/thrillers. Whilst at her bookstore, I purchased the two books.

I began reading at home and Hubby announced he’d already read Bluebird, Bluebird. We can share a bed for forty years and not a book pile?

Anyway.

I devoured the first two books of this trilogy within a week. Set in small Texas towns, they’re who-done-its with a Lone Star state mentality and East Texas geography. Darren Matthews is a complicated, conflicted fellow, having been to law school and now a Texas Ranger, an African American law enforcement agent in a tense time – the election of Donald Trump and the rise of White Supremacy. In each novel Darren faces personal and racial demons.

The third and final installment, Guide Me Home, is due out in the fall of 2024. I’ll be eager to finish some of the ongoing story lines.

Rural, complex, page-turners. Four and a half stars. When you’ve read one or both of these check out this interview on Fresh Air with Attica Locke.