I’m not able to get
out to various places anymore, but have great childhood memories of the
Colorado Rockies among other western places. Since I can’t get there
physically, I now take the trips in my mind as corny as that sounds. Mark
Stevens brought it alive for me and ranks up there with C. J. Box, Paul
Doiron, Steven Havill and others who showcase a clear love for the great
outdoors and can write a really good book.
Allison Coil came out to Colorado’s Flat Top wilderness to leave
memories of death and destruction behind. Which is somewhat ironic since her
new chosen profession was to be a hunting guide where she would routinely see
death. The concept of death and what death means has become an almost constant
companion while she seeks solace in the beautiful Colorado Mountains
and the local area known as Ripplecreek. Hunting guides aren’t a rarity in the
mountains but being a woman she stands out and once again has to prove herself—especially
to the good old boy network. Of course, if the protest group “Fighting Animal
Torture Everywhere” otherwise known as “FATE” has its way, nobody will be hunting
in the mountains anymore.
As a snowstorm descends on the area, Allison Coil hears a
gunshot. Certainly not unusual but the actions of who she thinks is the shooter
when she catches a glimpse of him through the swirling snow make her wonder.
She watches him or her over on the next ridge dragging something and then the
snow thickens and she loses sight of what was happening. Something didn’t look
right and she thinks about it as she works to guide herself and her horse,
Bear, safely off the mountain. Her
suspicions are further encouraged when she learns that a local hunting guide is
missing as is one of the protestors. She knows something funny is going on and
after being shoved aside once too many times when she spoke up, begins to
investigate in her own way.
In a novel that shifts point of view through numerous
characters, author Mark Stevens weaves a compelling tale of greed and murder
with the majestic beauty of the Colorado Rockies as his backdrop. Allison Coil
is a strong complex character who quickly comes to life despite some of the
other characters who seem to be little more than stock stereotype figures. A first novel from the author, it shows most tellingly
in that a significant portion of the character depth is recovered for Coil. However,
it is also clear that at least two of the secondary characters have definite
possibilities should this work become part of a series.
Where the author showcases real talent is in the weaving of
the various storylines as well as bringing alive the beauty of the setting. A
theme within the work is the fact that responsible hunting is a part of
wildlife management today. That theme coupled with the concept of what it means
to be a female guide in an area dominated by men could have become a series of
information dumps that would preach to readers. Instead, showing real skill,
the information is occasionally presented in the course of doing other things
and never becomes the reason for anything.
Add in the scenic beauty and the at times harsh elements,
good old fashioned greed with a thoroughly modern twist, along with several
plot surprises in the last 50 pages and the result is a very good book. Author
Mark Stevens has created a very good read that quickly becomes a real page
turner and one well worth your reading investment.
Antler Dust: A Novel
By Mark Stevens
Paandaa Entertainment
March 2007
ISBN # 978-0-9774188-1-7
Hardback
287 Pages
The sequel is BURIED
BY THE ROAN and has been in my huge
TBR pile far too long.
Kevin R. Tipple © 2007, 2012
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