Deze serie volgt het leven en de zaken van Billy Bob Holland, een advocaat en voormalig Texas Ranger. Gesitueerd in het ruige landschap van Deaf Smith, Texas, duiken de verhalen in complexe juridische gevechten en persoonlijke strijd. Lezers zullen zich ondergedompeld vinden in spannende plots die thema's als rechtvaardigheid, wet en de unieke cultuur van het Amerikaanse Westen verkennen.
In een klein stadje in Texas moet advocaat Billy Bob Holland Lucas Smothers verdedigen die verdacht wordt van verkrachting en moord. Maar Lucas was stomdronken en Holland is ervan overtuigd dat er andere jongelui achter de zaak zitten. Holland raakt verwikkeld in een web van intriges, corruptie, bedreiging en geweld in een plaats waar ook de DEA al onderzoek verricht naar drugshandel met Mexico. Daarnaast is er ook nog Billy Bobs onverwerkte verleden en zijn stappen op het pad der liefde.
A brilliantly layered novel of crime, character, and place from a two-time Edgar Award winner and New York Times bestselling author. Few writers in America today match the lush prose, gripping storylines, and profound sense of history and landscape found in this work. Longtime fans of the Dave Robicheaux series witness the struggles of Texas defense attorney Billy Bob Holland, showcasing the author's exploration of classic American themes: the often violent divides between the haves and have-nots, the clash of past and present, and the inequities within the criminal justice system. The concept of "heartwood," representing growth in layers, is central to the narrative. Billy Bob's grandfather advised him to keep his roots in clear water, free from taint. However, in his dusty hometown of Deaf Smith, local kingpin Earl Deitrich has built his fortune by crushing anyone who opposes him. While Billy Bob grapples with Deitrich's ruthless nature, he is also haunted by his unfulfilled passion for Deitrich's beautiful wife, Peggy Jean. Taking on the defense of Wilbur Pickett, accused of stealing from Deitrich, Billy Bob confronts both Earl's formidable influence and his own troubled past. This novel, rich in Texas atmosphere and lore, offers a dazzling portrait of the deadly consequences of self-delusion, showcasing the author's mastery of storytelling.
Billy Bob Holland's visit to his old friend Doc Voss in Montana turns into a nightmare when Doc's daughter is brutally attacked, the suspect is burned alive, and Doc is arrested. Meanwhile, Wyatt Dixon, a member of a dangerous gang, is after Billy's life.
Billy Bob Holland once described the rodeo-cowboy Wyatt Dixon as the most dangerous and unpredictable man he had ever met. After being imprisoned for murder, Dixon is unexpectedly released due to a legal technicality. Meanwhile, Johnny American Horse finds himself in trouble when caught with a weapon, leading him to seek help from Holland, his lawyer. This entangles Holland in a complex battle against Dixon and the government he once served.
In this gripping narrative, Billy Bob, having relocated to Montana to practice law after a series of violent confrontations, takes on Johnny's case. Johnny, an activist for land preservation and Native American rights, is accused of murdering two men who had previously threatened him. As Holland investigates, he uncovers a web of intrigue involving Johnny's defiant girlfriend, Amber Finley, a senator's daughter; Darrel McComb, a detective obsessed with Amber; and Seth Masterson, a mysterious government agent whose interest in the case raises alarms.
As the situation escalates and danger looms, Billy Bob must confront the truth behind Johnny's arrest while protecting his family from the growing threats. This beautifully crafted novel showcases James Lee Burke's talent for creating vivid characters and a compelling plot, reaffirming his status as a master storyteller.
