Broken Heartland

Set in sleepy Benteen County, Kansas, this action-packed mystery, part of a series, features Sheriff English, better known as "Englishman." Lloyd James dramatically changes tone and accents for the variety of characters--from teenage boys whose voices are changing to born-again Christians full of religious fervor. Englishman's Cheyenne brother, Mad Dog, and his daughters, the two Heathers, all become involved in the investigation of how and why his deputy crashed into a school bus full of teens in the early morning hours. James's pacing is excellent. He quickly adjusts to the tense hostage situation, low-key humor, and depictions of small-town life. S.C.A. (c) AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine