 |
South of Good is a story about Hardin Steel, a sheriff who is constantly trying to nab drug dealers in a South Texas border county. When he attempts to capture the ringleader of a Mexican drug cartel, Steel is unaware of the compromises he will have to make to get the job done, as well as protect those who are near and dear to him.
Award-winning author Reneau has produced a novel that is an attention-grabbing mix of mystery and romance tightly wrapped in an action-packed 2010 setting. Reneau utilizes contrast throughout his narrative to keep it lively and continuously moving. Written in first and third person, Reneau varies his storyline by alternating between Steel's narration and the action of other supporting characters. For example, Reneau juxtaposes concurrent scenes, most often the good guys versus the bad ones, within each chapter.
Yet regarding good and evil, Reneau doesn't always offer a clear distinction between the two concepts within some of his character development since he throws in unexpected twists along the way, which are quite hilarious at times. Steel's encounter with Alexie Yazov, a Russian mercenary who is working for the Mexican drug lord, and the strange relationship Yazov has with Rory Roughton, Steel's girlfriend, make excellent examples. Another aspect in Reneau's storyline is the irony between Steel and Roughton. Steel has a macho edge to his character yet hopes to find a woman that fits the "June Clever" stereotype. Roughton, however, does not match that typecast. Nonetheless, Steel is attracted to her.
Replete with scenes of mayhem that are cleverly laced with random comedic moments, Reneau's recent novel has more to offer adult readers. Closing with a cliffhanger, South of Good has all the elements needed to make this a highly attractive first volume of a promising new series.
RECOMMENDED by the US Review