Heartshot

First Line: The sheriff leaned against the doorjamb of my office without saying a word, lounging there until I finally decided to notice him. The Undersheriff of Posadas County, New Mexico, retired from the military and now has plenty of years in law enforcement. Bill Gastner has no life outside the law, and he doesn't want one- even if the new sheriff is making retirement sounds whenever Bill's within earshot. When a car full of teens racing from a traffic stop crashes and all are killed, the town of Posadas reels in shock, especially when a bag of cocaine is discovered under one of the seats of the wrecked car. Gastner and star officer Estelle Reyes have their hands full trying to keep the bereaved parents under control while they conduct their investigation. Although the identity of the "bad guy" was clear to me early on, I didn't much care because of the characters. Undersheriff Bill Gastner is one of those curmudgeons you may not want to live around, but he's certainly a joy to read about. All that gruffness hides a truly caring person who's dedicated his life (and sacrificed his health) to doing right. Although Gastner isn't going quietly into that good night, he does have a fair idea of his limitations, as in when he takes a look at a gun and ankle holster another law enforcement officer wears: "I don't think I'd be happy with one." Hewitt's expression of polite amusement told me that he could imagine the result as well as I. Grab down, suffer back-muscle spasm, throw out trick knee, stagger sideways and sprain other ankle. Fall and land on left wrist, refracturing an old break. Although this first book in the series was Gastner's show, his talented protege, Estelle Reyes, did have enough time to show us her smarts and to set the stage for her appearance in other books. I'm looking forward to that. As much as I enjoy Bill Gastner, his creaks and groans are starting to catch up with him. Sooner or later folks aren't going to whisper about retirement; they're going to demand it, and Bill's got to have someone good to step in. Can you tell that I'm looking forward to reading more of this series? Good, because I am!

Heartshot introduces Steven Cahill's fictional Posadas County in the southwest corner of New Mexico. Cahill's warm and expert style enhances reader appreciation of his protagonist, Bill Gastner, middle-aged undersheriff of this rural county. Gastner's experience and wisdom include deep understanding of tradition and human nature as well as appreciation of the gifts of subordinates and the developing technology that makes the job easier and more successful. This addictive series of police procedurals follows the personal and professional development of the characters through time while examining significant social issues as they impact a region seemingly remote from the outside world. I am reminded of Steve McQeen's 87th Precinct novels.

Frankly, I never expected to like Heartshot. As a Southern female reader, what did I care about an aging cop in a tiny Western town? But since the book was a gift, I dutifully started it and guess what - I got hooked!Undersheriff Bill Gastner is widowed, his kids are grown and gone. A chronic insomniac, he rattles around his empty house, eats too much and smokes too much. The one thing he genuinely cares about is the little town of Posadas, New Mexico and its inhabitants. These days, he's worried that the newly elected Posadas sheriff has an agenda that includes pushing Bill towards early retirement and is understandably touchy about suggestions that he might be slowing down.A Fourth of July town celebration turns to tragedy when a carful of teenagers speeds up to evade a police cruiser, loses control and goes over a cliff. While working the scene of the accident, Gastner and Posadas' lone detective, Estelle Reyes, discover a package of drugs amongst the wreckage. How did it get there? Which one of the upstanding kids might have had something to do with drugs? Posadas is close enough to the Mexican border that Gastner is not surprised by the presence of drugs in his town, but thought he had a better understanding of the town's youth. Is he losing his touch?The townspeople are naturally upset, accusations fly and one of the bereaved parents has bought a gun. When the Sheriff suggests putting a young unknown officer undercover in the high school, Gastner has no better idea and reluctantly agrees. The situation quickly deteriorates and another senseless death occurs. Gastner feels personally responsible, neglects his health in pursuit of answers and ultimately puts his own life on the line. One of the things I liked best about Heartshot was the relationship between the older Gastner and the younger, greener detective, Estelle Reyes. The author could have easily used the stereotype of grouchy misogynist/rabid feminist or gone the May-December romance route. Instead, I found it refreshing to note their mutual respect of each other's talents. Reyes' quiet, thoughtful approach to a problem complements Gastner's plodding, relentless style. And I must say, I found the choice of murder weapon unique among mysteries I've read so far! (But I can't tell you, or I'd give too much away!) I so enjoyed meeting Gastner that I have gone on to read the next two books in the series and recommend them all. But do read them in order, as the author builds on earlier events and you might spoil your own pleasure by skipping ahead.