Book Review: BIG HORN: A Jenn Herrington Wyoming Mystery by K.C. Sivils
K.C. Sivils’ BIG HORN: A Jenn Herrington Wyoming Mystery introduces readers to a captivating new series set against the rugged backdrop of Wyoming’s wild and unforgiving landscape. This first installment in the Jenn Herrington Wyoming Mysteries series is a riveting blend of murder mystery, Western drama, and character-driven storytelling that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. With its vivid setting, strong protagonist, and suspenseful plot, BIG HORN is an atmospheric thriller that immerses readers into the heart of the American West.
Plot Overview:
The story follows Jenn Herrington, a former Houston homicide detective who has traded the big city’s crime-ridden streets for the open plains of Wyoming. Jenn, seeking solace after a personal tragedy, relocates to the quiet and remote Bighorn Mountains, where she hopes to leave her past behind. However, peace proves to be elusive when Jenn stumbles upon a gruesome murder that shatters the calm of her new rural life.
The victim is a young woman whose death appears to be linked to the harsh and dangerous world of illegal poaching and wildlife trafficking in Wyoming. As Jenn reluctantly steps into the investigation, she is thrust into a world of corruption, greed, and violence, where the lines between law enforcement and the criminal underworld are often blurred. With few allies in the isolated mountain community and hostile locals unwilling to cooperate, Jenn must rely on her instincts and skills to solve the mystery before more blood is spilled.
As the investigation unfolds, Jenn discovers that the crime reaches far beyond a simple case of murder. The deeper she digs, the more she uncovers a network of illegal activities that involve some of the town’s most powerful figures. Her determination to bring the killer to justice puts her in grave danger, as she faces threats from both nature and man. With the weight of her past still haunting her, Jenn must not only solve the case but also confront her own demons if she hopes to survive.
Setting and Atmosphere:
One of the standout features of BIG HORN is its vivid portrayal of Wyoming’s landscape. The wild, untamed beauty of the Bighorn Mountains plays a crucial role in shaping the atmosphere of the novel. Sivils captures the essence of the American West with its sprawling plains, rugged mountains, and harsh weather, creating a setting that is as much a character in the story as the people who inhabit it. The isolation of the region adds a sense of claustrophobia and danger, making it the perfect backdrop for a tense and atmospheric mystery.
Sivils’ descriptions of the natural world are both beautiful and foreboding. The wilderness is portrayed as a place of breathtaking beauty but also one of danger, where survival is often a matter of life and death. The harsh winters, wild animals, and treacherous terrain serve as constant reminders of the risks that come with living in such a remote location. This sense of isolation heightens the tension throughout the novel, as Jenn often finds herself alone and vulnerable in her pursuit of the truth.
Protagonist and Character Development:
Jenn Herrington is a well-developed and compelling protagonist. A seasoned detective with a troubled past, Jenn is tough, resourceful, and driven, yet she’s also deeply human. Her decision to leave Houston for Wyoming is motivated by personal loss—she’s seeking a fresh start after the devastating death of her husband. This personal tragedy adds layers of emotional depth to her character, as Jenn is not only grappling with solving a murder but also with her own grief and guilt.
Jenn’s internal struggle is central to her character arc. Her transition from big-city homicide detective to small-town sheriff’s deputy in Wyoming is fraught with challenges, not the least of which is earning the trust of the local community. She’s an outsider in a tight-knit rural town, and her experience as a big-city cop doesn’t always translate well to the world of poaching, ranching, and local politics. As she works to solve the murder, she must also navigate the cultural divide between her Houston roots and the rugged Wyoming lifestyle.
What makes Jenn especially compelling is her vulnerability. She’s not a perfect hero; she’s haunted by her past, often second-guessing her decisions and wondering if she’s up to the task. But it’s precisely these flaws that make her relatable and human. Jenn’s resilience in the face of overwhelming odds—both external and internal—is what drives the narrative forward and keeps readers invested in her journey.
The supporting cast of characters also adds richness to the story. From the gruff local sheriff who’s skeptical of Jenn’s abilities to the ranchers and poachers who have their own secrets to protect, Sivils populates the novel with a diverse and interesting array of personalities. These secondary characters help to paint a picture of a small-town community where everyone knows each other’s business, but loyalties and allegiances aren’t always clear.
Themes:
At its heart, BIG HORN is a novel about justice—both in the legal and moral sense. Jenn’s pursuit of justice for the murder victim is not just about solving a crime but about bringing closure to a community that is being torn apart by illegal activities and corruption. The novel delves into the moral complexities of law enforcement in a remote and lawless land, where the rules are often dictated by those in power rather than by what is right.
Another major theme is survival, both in terms of physical survival in the harsh wilderness and emotional survival in the face of trauma. Jenn’s journey is not just about solving a case but about learning to live with her past and finding a way to move forward. The novel also explores the idea of survival in a broader sense, particularly in the context of the poaching and wildlife trafficking that play a central role in the mystery. The tension between human greed and the preservation of nature is a theme that resonates throughout the book, as characters are forced to confront the consequences of their actions on the environment and each other.
Trust and loyalty are also important themes in the novel. As an outsider, Jenn must learn who she can trust in a community where everyone seems to have something to hide. Her relationships with the locals are fraught with suspicion, and the novel explores the difficulty of building trust in a place where betrayal is always a possibility.
Plot and Pacing:
The plot of BIG HORN is tightly constructed, with plenty of twists and turns to keep readers guessing. Sivils does an excellent job of building suspense throughout the novel, gradually revealing clues that lead Jenn—and the reader—closer to the truth. The pacing is well-balanced, with moments of action and tension interspersed with quieter, more introspective scenes that allow for character development.
The murder mystery at the center of the story is well-executed, with enough red herrings and false leads to keep even the most seasoned mystery readers engaged. The reveal of the killer and the larger conspiracy behind the crime is satisfying and logical, tying together the various threads of the story in a way that feels both surprising and inevitable.
Writing Style:
Sivils’ writing is sharp and descriptive, particularly when it comes to the setting. His ability to capture the majesty and danger of the Wyoming wilderness adds a cinematic quality to the novel, making the reader feel as though they are right there with Jenn in the mountains, battling the elements and the darkness that lurks beneath the surface of this seemingly peaceful community.
The dialogue is realistic and often laced with tension, particularly in Jenn’s interactions with the locals. There’s a palpable sense of mistrust and wariness in these conversations, which adds to the novel’s atmosphere of suspense. Sivils also does a good job of balancing Jenn’s personal struggles with the central mystery, allowing for moments of emotional depth without slowing down the plot.
Conclusion:
BIG HORN: A Jenn Herrington Wyoming Mystery is a gripping, atmospheric thriller that introduces readers to a complex and compelling new protagonist in Jenn Herrington. K.C. Sivils has crafted a mystery that is both emotionally resonant and suspenseful, set against the breathtaking yet dangerous backdrop of Wyoming’s wilderness. With its richly developed characters, intricate plot, and exploration of themes like justice, survival, and trust, BIG HORN is a must-read for fans of crime fiction, Westerns, and character-driven mysteries.
As the first book in the Jenn Herrington Wyoming Mysteries series, BIG HORN sets the stage for what promises to be an exciting and emotionally rich journey. Jenn Herrington is a character readers will want to follow, and her story is one that feels both timely and timeless in its exploration of the human condition amidst the harsh realities of life in the American West.
Product details
- ASIN : B09SVGWNNH
- Publisher : SkipJack Publishing (June 1, 2022)
- Publication date : June 1, 2022
- Language : English
- File size : 1135 KB
- Simultaneous device usage : Unlimited
- Text-to-Speech : Enabled
- Screen Reader : Supported
- Enhanced typesetting : Enabled
- X-Ray : Enabled
- Word Wise : Enabled
- Print length : 390 pages
- Best Sellers Rank: #34,671 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
