Jere D. James has done it again and delivered another completely riveting and action-packed western. James’s latest novel, High Country Killers, is the author’s fourth book in the Jake Silver Adventure series, and some would say his best.
James once again places his main character, Deputy US Marshal Jake Silver, in the Arizona Territory in 1889, with the story largely taking place in the Mogollon Rim country of northeastern Arizona.
Marshal Silver goes to the brink to find out who is behind the highland murders (mentioned in Book III, Cannon of Death). In doing so, the author introduces a mob of evil, murderous men, all intent on seizing as much of the wilderness as possible by raping and killing property owners. The plot thickens as Jake slowly unravels the intricate web of evil.
Because much of the area is being settled by Mormons, the author brings Jeremiah Atkinson back (Book I, Saving Tom Black). Also included is Gunner McGraw (Book III, Death Cannon) and, of course, Betsy. Happily, the author finally arranges for the release of Betsy’s sister, Margaret, who had been held against her will by Atkinson, a powerful Mormon leader (Saving Tom Black).
The author introduces a charming new Shakespeare-quoting gunslinger, Richard Moody, who adds plenty of action and much-needed levity to the story. Moody, originally hired to kill Jake Silver, befriends the bailiff and plays a key role in Silver’s attempt to solve the mystery of the Highland Killers. Several other new characters are introduced in the book, including the lady of the Holbrook House of Pleasure, LaBelle Fleur, and Katherine Reed, a charming woman who easily attracts Silver’s attention. Look for Moody, Flower and Reed in Book V of this series. All of the characters are extremely well drawn and, as with all Jere D. James books, the author is very knowledgeable about the terrain on which the book takes place.
All of James’s books tend to be historical, but this one is more so than the others. References to Hashknife, the million-acre cattle ranch owned and operated by Aztec Land and Cattle Company, are abundant, as is the use of real people who served as sheriffs or outlaws.
As always, Jere D. James maintains his ability to write a superb ending, and the final scene of High Country Killers is sure to surprise readers. As Shirley Johnson, senior reviewer for the MidWest Book Review, put it, “…the ending will blow your mind.”
High Country Killers is available in trade paperback, e-book, and also in a large print edition.