Terror Roams the Countryside
A string of bank robberies in rural southern Illinois ends abruptly when the suspect is found shot to death, execution-style, in the middle of nowhere. That gets the attention of FBI agent Doug Munro, who has been investigating the crime spree for weeks.
Now Munro and Sheriff Frank Bachelor embark on a quest to discover who is behind the crimes. As they follow scant leads, it becomes clear that the mysterious Bethany Ringel is at the heart of it all. Who is she, where is she, and how is she involved?
They soon realize there is more to this than murder and robbery. Something even more sinister is lurking under the surface.Twin brothers with strange names and malicious intent are also looking for Bethany Ringel. Their twisted mission threatens to shake this place to its core and draws a veritable law enforcement army bent on avoiding a massacre.
Bethany doesn’t know which way to turn. Friends may be enemies. Family members may be turncoats. A sympathetic priest may be her only hope. She has to trust someone, but doesn’t know who wants her alive and who wants her dead.
She soon learns that the only person she can count on is herself, and realizes that her very survival depends on tapping into an inner strength she’s not convinced she possesses
Reviewed in the United States on December 4, 2020
In this second of the Frank Bachelor-Doug Munro novels, author Nat Williams leads his readers on a journey, not only through the backroads of Southern Illinois and history, but also into the minds and lives of very distinctive characters. Drawing on the partnership and established relationship of Bachelor and Munro, Williams quickly and subtly sets the stage for their latest adventure in a droll conversation.
“Found your bank robber,” Bachelor said.
“Is he talking?”
“Nope. He’s not doing much of anything. Got three bullets in his head.”
With those three lines, the reader is introduced to an intricate plot that weaves in and out of each character’s narrative. Williams deftly captures their emotions and motivations, each of which evoke varying emotions from the reader. In the end, the reader may know who is guilty but is forced to question why.
Another distinctive characteristic of this novel is the pacing. It is a true “page-turner” as each chapter is deftly designed to end with questions unanswered and compelling plot twists that make you immediately ask for more. In the end, however, it’s the character development that makes you turn the page. Williams has a knack for dialogue that lets you in and makes you want to take the journey with each person you meet in his novels.
Reviewed in the United States on February 12, 2021
Great follow-up to Nat's first book Fire Blight, including recurring characters and set in southern Illinois again. Coming from a career law enforcement officer, I found the police procedure and investigative techniques were accurate and well researched. The book was interspersed with non-fictional history in and around southern Illinois. Nat did a great job putting together a well researched, and cleverly written follow up to Fire Blight. The plot had twists and turns, and was unpredictable. It was a great read.
Reviewed in the United States on December 18, 2020
I finished the 2nd book, The Pursuit of Bethany Ringel, last night. As with the 1st book, Fire Blight, I couldn't put it down! So many unexpected twists and turns, and the ending was not expected! !!
Reviewed in the United States on February 4, 2021
Great read. Easy and suspenseful. Loved this book.