Sunday, September 29, 2019

On My Radar: Larry D. Sweazy's The Lost Are the Last to Die





After reading Larry Sweazy's Marjorie Trumaine mysteries about a professional book indexer and farm wife in 1960s North Dakota, I became a fan of his storytelling. This led me to his first Sonny Burton mystery, A Thousand Falling Crows, which was one of my Best Reads of 2017.

At the time, I said that I hoped there would be more books about this ex-Texas Ranger who lost his arm in the shootout with Bonnie and Clyde. The early 1930s setting was pitch-perfect, and I knew Sonny could have a lot more to say. So, you know I did a little happy dance when I found out that there is going to be a second Sonny Burton mystery-- The Lost Are the Last to Die.

Let's find out a little more about it!


Available November20, 2019!
 Synopsis:

"After Sonny Burton lost his right arm in a shootout with Bonnie and Clyde, he thought his days as a Texas Ranger were behind him. When a convict escapes from Huntsville Prison and takes the warden's pregnant wife hostage, the Rangers come to Sonny for help because he had a long history with Billy Bunson. From his time in El Paso, when Billy was only a boy and a thief on the street, to a few years later when Billy killed his first man, Sonny was there, either chasing him or trying to save him. Sonny knows right away if he doesn't go after Billy, then Billy will come after him..."



Maybe it's because I live in Arizona that I like reading books in which I can soak up both the history and the landscape of the West. I know that Sweazy can certainly deliver on atmosphere and setting as well as a story that will keep me turning the pages, and I know that the first Sonny Burton book was a winner, so it's little surprise that I'm looking forward to The Lost Are the Last to Die. I even like the subdued cover of the book because those gray tones remind us that the book is set during the Dust Bowl and the Depression. Desperate times.

I know this book won't be to everyone's taste, but if you do enjoy well-written historical mysteries and haven't read his Marjorie Trumaine series, I urge you to read those. They are something very special... just like Sonny Burton.



8 comments:

  1. Oh, this one looks good to me, too, Cathy. There is most definitely something about a well-written historical fiction novel, isn't there? And the setting works, too.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I haven't read anything by Larry Sweazy, but I like a good historical mystery!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. His Marjorie Trumaine historical mysteries are excellent.

      Delete
  3. I only read one Marjor Tremaine book, but really liked it. Must read more of this series. I wish it would continue.9

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know what you mean about wanting the Trumaine series to continue, but it wouldn't be logical to turn that rural area of North Dakota into Cabot Cove. You just don't have a high murder rate in areas like that.

      Delete
  4. Well, Marjorie Tremaine could travel or move, perhaps to Tennessee, and then more murders would occur. I know the North Dakota setting is one of the draws of the books, but perhaps she could take a trip.

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for taking the time to make a comment. I really appreciate it!