Eight stars
Joseph Flynn keeps the John Tall Wolf series at its highest calibre with yet another piece that has the reader enjoying the journey. Tall Wolf, an essential part of the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), finds himself on the way to Los Angeles after a massive locomotive disappears into thin air. The Super Chief, a symbolic monster that travels along the rails, must be found and its their caught quickly. Working alongside an Amtrak investigator, John Tall Wolf is also trying to keep things in order after being promoted by the US vice-president to a new role. He must work the case and watch his back, all while the political situation in the US heats up. Flynn does well to keep the reader in the middle of the action once more.
After the massive Super Chief locomotive disappears on its trip between Los Angeles and Chicago, the BIA’s John Tall Wolf is called in to help with the investigation. A central part of the Bureau, Tall Wolf wonders not only about the uniqueness of the case, but also how one can steal such a massive item and have it disappear into thin air.
Working with the FBI, local authorities, and an Amtrak investigator, Tall Wolf starts to peel back the truth from the various people who cross his path. The other question that he is trying to decipher is whetether this was a random theft or an act of terrorism, thereby leaving the train as a weapon that could cause a great deal of damage. All this while he is trying to assert his authority and keep his job. Tall Wolf’s promotion to co-direction of the BIA’s enforcement division leaves his former boss angered beyond belief, as she tries to wipe him off the map while juggling her own ambitions. Tall Wolf does not get into the mud with others, but he knows that he will have to watch his back at every step.
When Tall Wolf thinks that he has an idea who is behind the theft and why, he must try to coax them out of hiding to answer for their crimes. It is symbolic of the struggle between the Native American community and the hungry American business interests, both butting heads for what they feel is right. This will require John’s return to a place he swore he would never go; the reservation where he was born. There, another mysterious person seeks to change Tall Wolf’s life forever, and not in a good way. Flynn keeps the reader on track with this piece that has all the elements of a stunning novel.
Joseph Flynn’s writing is so strong and keeps the story flowing so well, I cannot say enough. Flynn not only builds his story for the reader to enjoy, but also connects other series and their themes to this one, adding depth and intrigue for the curious reader. The narrative pushes things along and gains momentum like a powerful locomotive, while letting the reader take in the scenery along the way. There are strong themes that emerge, both social and political, building from book to book, never letting things lose their way. Characters, which have always been a strong suit for Flynn, find themselves opening up and backstories are made to flourish at the author’s hand. I cannot get through books fast enough, as I want to know more and see how everyone will connect together.
Plot development is something with which Joseph Flynn has never struggled, creating addictive stories from the outset. The series possesses all the elements I need to delve deeper and I cannot wait to see what’s around the corner. Flynn connects all the elements of surprise together and peppers the story with his own flavouring to keep the reader coming back. With strong ties to the Jim McGill series—another stellar collection—I will have to keep my eyes open to see how things progress with this narrative that the larger other series that I devoured in short order.
Kudos, Mr. Flynn, for another winning novel in an addictive series.
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