CRIPPLE CREEK is Sallis’ second book featuring Turner as the protagonist.  The background story of Turner, no first name given, is told in CYPRESS GROVE.  An interesting background story at that, as Turner is an ex-cop, ex-con, ex-therapist turned deputy sheriff of Cripple Creek , Tennessee .  I picked up a copy of CYPRESS GROVE to read before reading CRIPPLE CREEK, and I’m glad I did because the first book in the series is excellent.   

CRIPPLE CREEK holds its own, as well.  When a man named Judd Kurtz is broken out of the local jail, Turner follows his tracks and finds himself on the fringes of something much more complicated than he’d like to be involved in.  As the danger and violence escalate, Turner simply continues to go about his life – and the investigation – completely unruffled.  The story is somewhat choppy and disjointed, and flashbacks are frequent, but the writing is full of emotion in a paradoxically dry manner.  Just as much of the story comes from what is not said, as from what is revealed through the author’s words.  Sallis has a unique literary voice that I think many readers will find compelling.  I would recommend this series and plan on revisiting Turner as more books in the series are released.