For many years I have enjoyed Harry Hunsicker novels. With his new Arlo Baines series, it is clear Hunsicker’s books will be on my to read list into the future.
In Texas Sicario a retired Texas Ranger, Arlo, is mourning the death of his family. He lives in a hotel and works security for a buddy who owns a bar and market place (bazaar). Arlo has not hit rock bottom but is inches away. His saving grace has been to take a homeless kid in as a surrogate son.
Trouble starts when the owner of an auto repair shop next to the bar is killed. Drug cartels have been making inroads to the neighborhood around the bar. Other murders of business owners in the neighborhood put Arlo on edge. When a man who obviously works for the cartel comes into the bar Arlo knows he can’t sit on sidelines.
Arlo Baines is going to be an interesting character to see develop in future books. Assuming this is a series that continues on, which I hope it will. Arlo has connections from being a cop. Both connections working in Law Enforcement and members of the criminal element who can provide information or services, like a new gun.
This story starts a little slow. But once it got moving Texas Sicario became a page-turning novel. Author Harry Hunsicker takes a path that digs deeper and deeper into a complex case. Arlo will be surprised by shifting allegiances in allies and enemies in his case. But don’t worry it is not full of surprise twists and double crosses. It more a case of Arlo misjudging people, who in hindsight their intentions were always clear.
Given the news is filled with immigration stories Texas Sicario has a ripped from the headlines feel. Anyone looking for a good mystery loaded with action, be sure to pick up this novel.
A free review copy of this book was provided via NetGalley for this unbiased review.