Customer Reviews

Warrior Circle (Howard Moon Deer Mystery Series)

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I loved this book. It is a good regional murder mystery, but it is more than that. It is social satire: Lexus-driving yuppie men gather in the mountains around the campfire on the weekends to beat drums and search for their inner child, all the while conspiring to enrich themselves at the expense of the townspeople. It is a couple of love stories: about the hero whose girlfriend has inexplicably disappeared, and about the irascible blind detective and his loving wife of many years who help him find her. And it is above all a very funny book that exposes the hypocrisy of politicians and the rich. While he is compared to Tony Hillerman, I think Westbrook is more like Florida's Carl Hiaasen and Randy Wayne White although not nearly as insanely inventive -- which can be a relief.

Robert Westbrook has very strong character studies in this latest episode of his Howard Moon Deer series. The story unfolds well, and the readers are actually placed in the situations as they happen by use of vivid descriptions and good use of conversation between characters. The few short-comings are in the form of inconsistent evidentiary findings and unlikely behavior of certain characters. However, this does not detract significantly from a book that is interesting and moves along at an adequate pace. It is also a accurate window to the geography, politics, society and mentality of small town, northern New Mexico.

In the New Mexico desert, the all male group meets once a week to discuss problems. On special occasions, they conduct ceremonies including using peyote that they have borrowed from Native Americans. During the day, they return to their "Paleface" existence. However, one of them has stepped over the line and begins to murder. He starts with one of the group, former musician Gary Tripp.

Lakota Sioux Howard Moon Deer feels as if he does not belong in any world. A Ph.D. candidate, last night Howard had a fight with his lover, reporter Aria Waldman. This morning, the music playing from her jeep awakens Howard. He investigates, only to find a running vehicle and a nearby gun, which was recently fired. He searches for Aria, but cannot find her.

Tripp's spouse hires private detective Jack Wilder to find out what happened to her husband. The former police commander, Jack, who is blind, works with Howard as the two inquires merge into one dangerous investigation that could cost them their lives.

WARRIOR CIRCLE is a superb regional mystery that brings the Southwest desert into full scope for readers. Howard and Jack are extremely complex and intelligent characters. The recurring secondary players provide a feel of authenticity. The who-done-it is quite entertaining as Robert Westbrook scribes an enjoyable tale that provides much pleasure for fans of Southwest mysteries.

Harriet Klausner

Robert Westbrook shows his talent and his literary roots in his new mystery series. Also author of Intimate Lies, Westbrook knows the Southwest first-hand. He draws you into the outsider viewpoint and tells an intriguing story. The Warrior Circle mystery illuminates the dark places of men's emotions and greed that drive them to evil deeds.