A Heap of
Trouble
Author: Lorrie
Unites-Struiff
Publisher: MuseitUp
Publishing
American release date: September 11, 2012
Format/Genre/Length: EBook/ Western/150 pages
Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★
Sheriff
Cole Walker’s biggest concern is what to have for lunch, at least until he walks
into his office to discover part of that lunch missing, and the culprit hiding
under his desk. He would have gladly rid himself of the little monkey except,
wouldn’t you know it, his secret crush, aka Miss Mattie, walks in and takes a
shine to the varmint. What’s a feller to do but give in and take the critter
into his home, along with a whole heap of trouble.
Cole likes
Mattie, but he’s never had the nerve to tell her so, ever since she arrived in
town. She’s a strong woman, and he admires her greatly, but he has his own
issues and isn’t about to inflict them on her. Now he’s got a thieving monkey
on his hands, as well as cattle rustlers, which is a far more serious problem.
Sides are being formed, and trouble’s surely going to break out. It’s all Cole
can do to keep the peace while he and his deputies try to figure out what’s
going on and rectify the situation.
To be
honest, I’ve never considered westerns a genre I was greatly interested in. Since
reading this book, I’ve re-evaluated that position. Ms. Struiff has taken the
genre and injected it with her own special brand of humor, in the form of a
thieving runaway monkey named Beggar, who will steal your heart (along with
anything else that isn’t nailed down!)
This book
flows from beginning to end, and you’ll be caught up in it like a cow in a
stampede, but in a good way. Cole Walker, the sheriff/hero, is a strong
character, but he’s also human, and he has his weaknesses, although he isn’t
exactly eager to admit to them. Miss Mattie is lovely and smart, but she has
her own past to deal with, one she isn’t ready to share. The mystery of who’s
stealing the cattle is intriguing, watching them solve it even more so, as Cole
and Mattie find themselves thrown together more and more.
The humor
is what especially makes this book. I love the realism. People do dumb things,
yeah, and not every guy looks like he just stepped off a catwalk. Or every
woman, for that matter. Cole and Mattie are both characters I’d love to know.
After this, I aim to read more of Ms. Struiff’s writings, and search for that
same wicked sense of humor.
This book
has something for everyone—humor, mystery, romance, intrigue… it’s good
old-fashioned fun. It’s safe for all ages, and I think it’s enjoyable by men
and woman both. Pick up A Heap of Trouble—you’ll be glad you did!
Good and accurate review. Lorrie has created a new genre here: western romance humor. Well, maybe somebody else has something similar, but I really enjoy Lorrie's take on the western theme.
ReplyDeleteFantastic review,Lorrie. :) Looking forward to reading A Heap of Trouble.
ReplyDeleteKim
Hmm, Marva, a new genre? lol. I like that. What should we call this genre?
ReplyDeleteHi Kim. Yes, the review is great and wonderful of Julie to post it. I hope you enjoy the book.