Knife River (The Ty Dawson Mysteries)

Sheriff Ty Dawson is the complex creation of author Baron Birtcher. Dawson is a rancher, lawman, military veteran, husband, and father. Knife River is the third book in this mystery series. It offers the reader a first-person view of life in rural Oregon. Author Birtcher indulges his penchant for writing in a poetic style and making use of a challenging vocabulary (keep your dictionary close by) while he meticulously unfolds a tale set in the mid-1970s.

Ty Dawson splits his time between the Diamond D cattle ranch and his sheriff’s office in town. His caring is definitely focused on his wife, Jesse, and their college-age daughter, Cricket. His role as sheriff was thrust upon him and he takes his duty seriously. The cast of supporting characters slowly enters the picture while a palpable undercurrent of foreboding and tension builds in the background.

A newcomer to the rural county has built a music recording studio that has attracted notable performers of the 1970s. This new-fangled enterprise is an uncomfortable addition to the close-knit community. Moreover, there is a wealthy individual who is flouting federal wildlife protections.

Be prepared to mosey through this complex tale that requires patience on the part of the reader.