One hanged man.Two vanished cowboys.Three hundred missing cattle.The Crazy Mountains are devouring everything they see.Everett Dawson, Montana’s newest Stock Detective, has been sent from Helena down to the Crazy Mountains. Cattle are going missing in the Crazies and Everett is charged with finding these modern-day rustlers and bringing them in.When he arrives, he finds a hanged cowboy and a heap … arrives, he finds a hanged cowboy and a heap of questions. Was it suicide or was it murder? Why are cowboys fleeing the Crazies? Far from a simple investigation, Everett’s case plunges deep into the mountains’ dark past.
Lawrence Jackson, the bad boy who runs the Lazy Twenty Two, was the last man to see the dead cowboy alive. There’s a whole forest fire of smoke swirling around Lawrence, and where there’s smoke, there’s flame… and maybe even murder.
But Everett is drawn to Lawrence, and if he takes the risk Lawrence offers, will Everett find what he craves, or will the Crazies claim their next victim?
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As always Tal Bauer created engrossing fast paced mystery, brought together two seemingly mismatched men who brought out the best in each other and delivered stunning descriptions of mountains and countryside. I enjoyed it, I admit. Then why 4 stars? I think that for me personally this story lacked length. It was very short considering the usual page count that he puts out for a story. All the feels were raw and real but they needed time to be developed and nurtured. But it was too short for them to be so intense. It felt a bit rushed in the love department. The research and writing were absolutely amazing as well as the diverse side characters. All in all this was a good read for me.
Loved this quite different book from Tal. Really quirky and gritty characters. So good
Cowboys and Lawmen and Murder
That’s what I’m talkin’ about, all in one book, and it’s what author Tal Bauer delivers in his latest novel Hell and Gone: a murder investigation that leads two men straight into the gaping maw of corruption, danger and a threat to their lives, and a budding romance between them that delivers them both from the brink of a lifetime of loneliness.
Initial observations of this author’s delivery of a story (yes, this is the first time I’ve had the pleasure of reading him) is that he’s adept at delivering a solid opener meant to bait readers into following his lead, and I fell for it, gladly. We play witness to a murder in progress in that opening scene and then spend the remainder of the book with cowboy Lawrence Jackson and Stock Detective Everett Dawson as they track down clues, through vivid scenery, that not only uncovers disappearances and additional murders, but a cattle rustling operation associated with those disappearances and deaths as well.
Not to be outdone in the successful department, however, are Law and Everett themselves, and the ways in which Bauer uses the forced proximity trope and Law’s big heart to draw out Everett’s past—a past that haunts him in visceral flashbacks full of regret and grief. It’s the trust building from ground zero, when Everett had reasonable doubts and supporting evidence of those doubts through Law’s displays of temper and obstinance, that gives their moments of confession and passion weight and a heightened sense of importance to the investigation and resolving the case.
The story responds in the end in a sensational fashion with some twists and surprises, mortal danger and, ultimately, a romantic promise that was the payoff for everything suffered along the way. As a first time reader, I was thoroughly entertained and duly impressed by this authors storytelling ways.
I’ve always had a soft spot for western/cowboy stories and after hearing a fellow blogger rave about Hell and Gone, I knew I had to read it. Then I saw the cover, and honestly, that alone would have had me one-clicking. Hell and Gone is a western romantic suspense set in the foothills of Montana mountain ranges, and it’s definitely worth raving about.
Right from the start, the characters’ hard edges and pasts had my full attention. There was no chance I was putting this down as the mystery was revealed and then began unraveling. The author inserted action, suspense, and intrigue into all the little moments, keeping me transfixed. Beyond that, the writing was stellar- capturing the beauty of Montana ranchland, the nuances of the characters, and delivering palpable emotion with every interaction.
While I enjoyed Lawrence and Everett individually, their initial spark and chemistry was undeniable and I was eager to see things progress between them. The romance between Lawrence and Everett had a cautious feel to it, but Hell and gone is not really a slow burn. In fact, things progress pretty quickly for the couple but the strained intensity of their situation validated their closeness. Add the way their feelings for one another are built though vivid descriptions, and the result was a relationship that felt substantial rather than rushed.
There are times that shorter books are too underdeveloped and lack oomph, but that wasn’t the case here. Every word felt purposeful and made an impact, sculpting a memorable story that was exciting, beautiful, and raw. Hell and Gone is definitely one I’d recommend and will be going on my favorite reads of the year.
*Reviewed for Alpha Book Club*
This is a well written book with strong well developed characters and an interesting story line. The author does a great job developing the story and bringing it alive with his descriptive writing and perfectly painted scenes. It’s an emotional and intriguing story that kept me turning the pages with the murder mystery. I enjoyed and would recommend this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I love Tal Bauer’s books. While not my favorite among his titles, this was still an enjoyable read. Both the MC are rugged broken men that we love to ride along on their way to redemption. I did figure out the villan fairly quickly. However any Tal Bauer book is a sensory experience. He has a talent in making the scenery and locations characters in the book. That is very true for the Crazy Mountains, where this story is set. There were some fun twists and I was really sucked into Everett’s backstory. I wish we had more of Law’s. Definitely worth the read and no one turns a phrase like Bauer. Highly Recommend
Once I was able to put the first chapter in its own box, I was finally able to get into the story. This is an excellent mystery and suspenseful book. The characters are well developed throughout the story, and the descriptions of the setting of the story are really lovely.
There is a lot of history in the Crazies, and Everett just stepped in a big steaming pile of it. Everett was an MP in the army, and is now a Stock Detective for the Department of Agriculture of Montana. He has been assigned his first rustling case at the request of Sheriff Braddock. You see, cattle have been disappearing for a while now, and now trouble maker Lawrence, or Law, has just dropped a whole new mess on the sheriff’s desk.
This book basically revolves around the hierarchy of the townies (mainly the law), as I like to call them, the ranch hands, the foremen, and the ranch owners themselves who call the Crazies their home.
I have a soft spot for Everett and Law; they’re both being punished, although in different ways, for their pasts. Law has been seeking justice, but his reputation puts him high on the list of suspects. Everett must use his own experience and instincts to decipher right from wrong, and truth from lies.
There are plots and schemes galore, a lot of investigative work taking place, and a lot of duplicity and cruelty. But, in the middle of all of this danger and suspense, there is healing, and it is beautiful.
When the truth is revealed, their lives are in even more danger than either man could have imagined. When the smoke clears, our MCs are separated, and unimaginable dreams come true. In the end, true love finds its way, and our MCs get exactly what they deserve; a HEA with each other.
After finishing the book, I did go back and reread parts of the first chapter. I just had to make it all add up in my mind. Because honestly, if I hadn’t cordoned off that little bit of writing, I would have been a very conflicted and confused reader. But, perhaps that’s just me.
Happy reading!
* I received an ARC of this book and I am leaving my honest review. *
Emotionally gripping and beautifully written, this story of modern ranching and the men who live it is the latest must-read from Tal Bauer. Two men who need each other in a variety of ways are caught up in a complicated and mysterious game of life and death. Will they survive to catch the killers who are rustling cattle from the mountain ranches? I loved the setting of this book (it was almost a third main character) and the developing relationship between Law and Everett. This book was more mystery than romance, and I’d love to see something more for these guys in the future.
** This review is based on receiving an ARC**
I have only restricted myself to cowboy romances on the M/F side so when my favorite author writes a cowboy romance I will definitely take note.
The book started a bit too graphic for me but once I really got into the swing of reading I truly enjoyed the story. There were true marks of a Tal Bauer book in that the way he skillfully writes how the relationships between characters develop throughout the story.
Truly an intense read and certainly one I would recommend to my book reading crew
Hell and Gone by Tal Bauer
Montana – The Crazies – Cowboys- Sheriff – One Ranger – One Stock Detective.
What an outstanding read — the way Tal Bauer writes he draws you into the story from the beginning this book is no exception.
Murder mystery – cattle rustling with so much more it’s a book you cannot put down .
Five stars + with so much detail that I just devoured with 15 highlights that’s how great and beautiful it is..
This book is everything you could want in a detective/cowboy mystery story. The writing is as vivid as a painting. Tal Bauer’s talent shines in this story of corruption, murder, betrayal and loss. This is balanced with hope and healing for the main characters, Law and Everett. There is starkness vs beauty in the mountains where this story takes place.
The mystery will keep you guessing throughout the story. I was on the edge of my seat while turning page after page.
I was completely enthralled with this story and read it in one sitting. I know I will be revisiting Law and Everett again.
Another reliably re-readable (is that too alliterative?) contemporary who-dunnit-with-romance from Tal Bauer. This time our hero is a stock detective—a career I didn’t know existed!—who is sent into the Crazy Mountains of Montana to track down the person rustling cattle and now, killing people. Everett is drawn to Lawrence, the ranch manager who has been pushing for an investigation. But there’s a thundercloud of questions hanging over Lawrence’s head—his past, his relationship with the dead man he found hanging on his property, and where he’s getting his extra money from. The tension is beautifully spun out both with the investigation and the development of the relationship. Definitely a re-read.
5 stars. So freakin fun. Description writing perfection. It was easy to jump inside this book. I loved the sweet treatment of the horses, this was such a treasure read.
This was well worth the read…
The characters were strong and the storyline engaging.
I will definitely be looking for more from this author.
One of those rare books where the author actually knows something about real cowboys. He even got the dialect right!
Incredibly well written, suspenseful, and difficult to put down.
As I said for other books by Tal Bauer, this author is always a guarantee for a good book and awesome writing. Hell and Gone, though, has something more: the writing sucks you immediately in the setting and you can almost taste the harsh life, the wilderness of the Crazy Mountains on your tongue.
The story starts with a powerful scene and the plot doesn’t let the reader breathe for a moment: the mystery is not very hard to solve, but the author is a master in keeping you on the edge of your seat, making you wonder at every page what is going to happens next. The romantic connection between Everett and Lawrence is immediate and powerful but still feels realistic despite all that happens in such a short time and the suspicions that are raised against Lawrence. The ending is not an HEA, but a hopeful HFN that still satisfied the romantic in me.
So, once again, Tal Bauer wrote an exceptional book. Definitely recommended!
***This review was based on a complimentary copy provided by the author.***
An amazing story by an equally amazing author!
Where should I start? I absolutely loved this book. From the beginning to the end, the story was just perfect. I have always loved cowboy stories and western romances. Hell, my first ever LGBT read was a western romance novel. But Tal, as usual, made the romance more interesting. A cowboy turns up dead and two men are missing. Stock Detective, Everett Dawson is called to investigate in the Crazy Mountains, Montana, where he meets the hot-headed cowboy, Lawrence Jackson.
Lawrence had a history, he knows loss and his reputation in the town is infamous. He doesn’t care about what others think of him but there is a great depth to him. Everett is no stranger to loss and betrayal. He is as lost as Lawrence. When he is given the case to investigate the stock disappearance, he like the others, don’t trust Lawrence. In the middle of murder and mayhem, Lawrence and Everett uncover a bigger plot than they had imagined.
Tal Bauer yet again delivers a remarkable story with strong-willed characters. 5 stars and more!