Drowning in the Desert

The author takes a really unusual location, and makes the setting an integral part of the plot involving a downed plane, missing passenger, missing money, and strange reactions by others in this new west for the ex-deputy.

Drowning in the Desert by Bernard Schopen is a lively, modern-day western thriller, set sometimes in Las Vegas and sometimes in rural Nevada.

Fats Rangle, an ex-deputy sheriff, finds the two-year-old remains of a plane crash in the mountains and reports it to the authorities. On returning to his home/horse stables, he finds that his 'cousin' and employee has not returned from a short trip to Las Vegas. The initial investigation suggests that the cousin may have found the plane wreck before Fats and just may have found the briefcase that was said to have been in the plane, the reason so many big political and business names are keen to speak with Fats.  

Fat's investigation takes him into the underbelly of Las Vegas where it becomes apparent his cousin had told people he had a lot of money. And that's why everybody wants a piece of Fats.

This is a very well-crafted plot with some decidedly charming characters that are easy to like and dislike, as per the author's whim. I enjoyed the setting, which played a significant role in the story. And I found the ending most satisfying.

Norman “Fats” Rangle had been the sheriff in Pinenut County Nevada for over twenty years. The electorate is fickle, however, and although Fats had a very good record, a more attractive person was elected Pinenut County sheriff. He finds an old plane wreck in the mountains after a particularly warm spring and he reports it to the new sheriff. But this is Vegas. And it is Nevada.

There is missing money from the plane wreck and as evidence would have it, perhaps a missing cousin, until someone suddenly shows up with funds to play the games.

Fats begins to suspect those he reported to might not be trusted. This is big business. Huge. It’s getting dangerous. Should he continue to look for his cousin or missing funds. Who will have his back?

The author writes an intriguing tale of the struggle for water in Nevada and the group that attempts to control the resource. There is never a dull moment in the storyline, it is fast-paced with gritty, determined characters. 4.5 stars – CE Williams

Fats Rangle a retired Deputy along with his younger brother, Sister-in-law Mary and the rest of their family run a ranch in small town Nevada a few hours north of Las Vegas. While working the ranch one morning the sun glints off of plane that has been missing for a couple of years. When Fats report this to the Sheriff he does not reveal all, he knows as there are somethings that do not add up especially when he has cousin who has suddenly disappeared. Something about going to see a girl. As he searches for said cousin, he runs into quite a cast of characters with many having political aspirations.
When he learns that there are others who are very interested in what should have been on the plane crash and they are intent on finding it. This story is a slow burn with Fats looking for the cousin and who he supposed to be tied up with and those who after just what the cousin may have. This is a pretty good read but understand as i stated earlier it is a slow burn up to the end.

This is a Neo-Western noir that looks at a deeply flawed man who is caught up in a changing world that has him between a rock and a hard place. Torn between family obligations and a sense of individualism that leaves him at odds with those obligations he makes some hard choices while navigating a mystery that is full of danger and treachery.

Well written, good story.

This story of a ex-deputy searching for a missing relative leads to so many complications including finding a downed plane, a hunt for missing money, Vegas thugs, political corruption, and the belief that everybody lies. Loved the unapologetic character of Fats, the story was impossible to put down.